Xabi Alonso's seven-month stint as Real Madrid manager came to an end earlier this week. Alonso was highly sought after following the brilliant job he did at Bayer Leverkusen and it was Los Blancos that won the race for his signature.
There was much hype surrounding the Spaniard following his appointment, but he failed to live up to expectations with performances and results not up to the level required. With Real Madrid trailing Barcelona in La Liga and having been defeated by their fierce rivals in the Spanish Super Cup, he was relieved of his duties and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
A club statement said: “Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as first-team coach. Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.”
Real Madrid's Dressing Room Was Split About Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso looks on from the touchline
A report from The Athletic has now claimed that Alonso 'had real authority problems for some time.' They add that 'the new and modern methods he and his coaching staff brought in were not welcomed by some of Madrid’s senior players.'
Vinicius Jr is one player who showed frustration with Alonso during his short tenure. The Brazilian infamously stormed past Alonso after being subbed off in El Clasico in September and then didn't mention the Spanish manager in his post-match apology.
He is one of a few players that were reportedly 'unconvinced' with by Alonso’s footballing ideas and personal approach. The Athletic has also named Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in that group. While in November, Mundo Deportivo also claimed Thibaut Courtois and Eduardo Camavinga weren't fully supportive of the 44-year-old.
Alonso did have some support within the dressing room, though. Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos and Raul Asencio are five players that reportedly believed in him.
Jude Bellingham Hits Out at Report
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham shakes hands with coach Xabi Alonso after being substituted vs PSG
Bellingham has publicly slammed the report, calling it 'a load of s***'. Writing on his app, Bellingham said:
"Until now I've let far too many of these slide, always hoping the truth will come to light in its own time. But honestly... What a load of s***.
"Truly feel sorry for the people that hang onto the every word of these clowns and their 'sources'. Do not believe everything you read, every now and then these lot need to be held accountable for spreading this kind of damaging misinformation for clicks and added controversy."
Bellingham also thanked Alonso on social media, writing on Instagram: "Thank you, Mister. It was a pleasure, all the very best for the future."