Xabi Alonso Could Be Sacked — And Another Club Is Already Waiting for Him
When Xabi Alonso took over Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, he arrived as one of the most forward-thinking coaches in modern football. At Bayer Leverkusen he built a sensational side that went unbeaten through an entire Bundesliga season. For many, the move to Real Madrid felt like the natural next step on his path to greatness.
But reality has proven far harsher than the predictions. Alonso is now experiencing a severe crisis at the club and is reportedly one step away from being dismissed. What exactly has gone wrong for the Spaniard in the Spanish capital?
Emergency Meeting and Fears of Losing the Dressing Room
On December 8, El Mundo reported that Real Madrid’s board held an emergency meeting to discuss the manager’s future. The biggest concern: Alonso has lost control of the dressing room. According to multiple reports, players no longer show him respect, do not listen to him, and are unhappy with his work methods.
The Champions League match against Manchester City is expected to be decisive for the coach’s fate.
Club executives are especially worried about the internal atmosphere. Their main criticism is that Alonso is too soft. He is struggling to manage the squad’s biggest personalities.
The clearest example came during the last El Clásico, when Vinícius Júnior reacted explosively to being substituted. Despite Real’s victory, the episode became a symbol of growing tension within the team.
The Vinícius Rift — and a Potential Ultimatum
Relations between Alonso and Vinícius are reportedly heavily damaged. According to insiders, the Brazilian is unwilling to extend his contract — and one of the reasons named is the coach himself. More dramatically, some outlets claim Vinícius issued an ultimatum to the board:
“It’s either me or Alonso.”
And Vinícius is not alone in his frustration. Sources say Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham also question Alonso’s methods.
A Devastating Injury Crisis
Alonso’s situation worsened dramatically in November, when 13 first-team players were simultaneously sidelined, including major stars:
Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dean Huijsen and Eduardo Camavinga.
Such an injury catastrophe stripped Alonso of any chance to build stability. With a brutal schedule and minimal recovery time, Real Madrid found themselves in a nearly unwinnable situation. In this respect, Alonso is more a victim of circumstances than the architect of the crisis.
Big Names Defend Alonso
Despite the pressure, several influential figures have come to Alonso’s defense.
Former Real Madrid player Jorge Valdano argued that the problem lies not with the manager, but with the players’ lack of commitment. In his view, the squad simply isn’t performing at the level required for a club of this stature.
Club legend Marcelo also voiced support, saying Alonso deserves trust and should remain in charge.
Even Pep Guardiola commented on the Spaniard’s situation, wishing him well and emphasizing that managing Real Madrid or Barcelona is one of the most difficult jobs in football due to enormous pressure and expectations.
Who Could Replace Alonso?
If Alonso is dismissed, several candidates are being discussed:
- Zinedine Zidane
- Jürgen Klopp
- Álvaro Arbeloa
- Joachim Löw
- José Mourinho (though he has already denied interest)
At the moment, the most realistic successor appears to be Álvaro Arbeloa.
El Mundo mentioned Klopp and Zidane as potential long-term options, but there are doubts about whether they can take control of the squad mid-season. For now, those scenarios seem unlikely.
A surprising name has emerged as well: Joachim Löw. Spanish media claim that president Florentino Pérez is considering him, though this seems more like speculation than a serious plan — Löw has not coached a club for five years, and few even remember the last time he worked at club level.
And then, of course, there is the Special One. Mourinho’s name always appears in such conversations — but he quickly dismissed the rumours:
“That chapter of my career is closed.”
Is Alonso Doomed?
In all likelihood, yes. Even a victory against City might only delay the inevitable. Alonso’s personality may simply not be suited to managing a dressing room full of global superstars.
But regardless of what happens at Real Madrid, Alonso’s reputation as an elite manager will survive. He will remain one of the most respected coaches in world football.
And in fact, another club is already waiting for him.
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are considering Alonso as a candidate to replace Arne Slot. A return to Anfield — the place where he became a fan favourite — could be the next chapter in his managerial journey.
Published by Patrick Jane
11.12.2025