Real Madrid: 7 players criticized Xabi Alonso to Florentino Perez

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·14 January 2026

Real Madrid: 7 players criticized Xabi Alonso to Florentino Perez

Xabi Alonso

It was bound to happen! New details have emerged about the behind-the-scenes drama that led to Xabi Alonso's dismissal from Real Madrid.

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On Monday night, Xabi Alonso cleared out his locker at Valdebebas. Since then, the Madrid press has continued to unveil revelations about the former midfielder’s brief stint at the Santiago Bernabéu dugout—a half-season defined mostly by tensions within the dressing room.

https://twitter.com/theMadridZone/status/2011494663736434858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

According to Cadena SER, seven players complained about Xabi Alonso to the Madrid management as early as November. Both the coach and his staff were aware that players had gone behind their backs to voice criticisms. While the outlet hasn't named names, it is known that players like Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham didn't really see eye to eye with their now-former coach.