Bale explains why Alonso didn't succeed at Real Madrid

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·22 January 2026

Bale explains why Alonso didn't succeed at Real Madrid

Gareth Bale offered his perspective on Xabi Alonso's dismissal after just six months in charge at Real Madrid. According to the Welsh forward, the issue didn't stem from tactical decisions.

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"Alonso is a brilliant coach, he's won titles with Leverkusen and managed his team very well," Bale told TNT, adding:

But at Madrid, it's not just about tactics: you have to know how to manage egos. In that dressing room, superstars can change the course of a match in an instant. That's why it didn't work out.

Bale thus highlights the unique challenge of coaching a club full of superstars like Real.

🗣 Gareth Bale: "Xabi is an unbelievable coach. What he's done at Bayer Leverkusen, he's won trophies, he's coached the team incredibly well. But coming to Real Madrid, you don't need to be a coach, you need to be a manager, you need to manage the egos in the dressing room.
– Tuesday, 20 January 2026

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Bale explains why Alonso didn't succeed at Real Madrid

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Bale explains why Alonso didn't succeed at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Bale explains why Alonso didn't succeed at Real Madrid

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Real Madrid

Gareth Bale

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