7 players who have fallen out with Xabi Alonso: Vini Jr, Bellingham, Endrick… | OneFootball

Despite Real Madrid currently sitting top of La Liga, a sizeable section of the dressing room is reportedly unhappy with Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, but could be fighting a losing battle as several key players are said to be unhappy with him.

Throughout Alonso’s managerial career, here are the seven players who’ve fallen out or been unhappy with his methods.

Vinicius Junior

As reported by The Athletic, the Brazilian has told Real Madrid that he won’t renew his contract with the club while his relationship with Alonso remains strained.

Talks over a new deal started in January, but have stalled over the past few weeks amid talks of a fallout with Alonso.

As per reports, the Brazilian is unhappy that he’s been given less importance this season and his long-term future at the club is now under serious doubt.

Jude Bellingham

According to the Spanish outlet, Mundo Deportivo, Bellingham is another player not happy with Alonso at the moment.

As of writing, the England international has started in 46% of La Liga matches under Alonso, having missed a chunk of the season with a shoulder injury.

He has been producing the goods of late, with six goal contributions in his last six appearances, but doesn’t seem totally happy with the current situation at the club.

Rodrygo

Having only started in three league matches, it’s no surprise that Rodrygo is among the players who are unhappy with Alonso.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move away from the club in the summer, but a transfer never ended up materialising.

According to Cadena SER, the Brazilian has a ‘distant’ relationship with Alonso, who is yet to get the best out of him.

Endrick

The 19-year-old has only played 11 minutes of league football under Alonso and is now looking for an escape route in January.

“Of course, I’d like him to have played already,” Alonso said last month.

“But the situations in our recent matches have been very tight since Endrick returned. I hope he can get those minutes soon. He’s training well, he’s ready — but the right moment has to come.”

A loan exit in January seems inevitable, with Lyon currently the favourites to land his signature.

Fede Valverde

Reports about a rift between Alonso and Valverde came out last month in the Spanish press, with the Uruguayan said to be unhappy about his role within the side.

The Uruguayan prefers playing in midfield, but has been predominantly been used as a right-back by Alonso.

However, contrary to reports, Valverde has stressed that he’s always remained professional and is willing to play wherever the team needs him.

“I’ve always made it clear to the coach that I’m available for whatever he needs,” Valverde said last month.

“I’ve never refused to play at full-back or in any other position. Whenever someone starts, they embrace it as if it were the only thing they could do.

“It’s strange that this comes from me when I’ve always said I’m available to play whatever it is.”

Jonas Hofmann

It’s not just players from Real Madrid that Alonso has rubbed the wrong way either as Hofmann didn’t always see eye to eye with the Spaniard at Bayer Leverkusen.

During last season, Hofmann was left disappointed by Alonso’s lack of communication and even considered leaving the club because of it.

“Getting so little playing time over an entire season obviously didn’t leave me feeling good,” Hofmann told the Kolner Stadt Anzeiger.

“I expect a coach to address things right away. I expect open and direct communication. A coach shouldn’t wait longer than two weeks to do that. Competition is always necessary. That’s clear. I would have expected a little more from the coach in that regard.

“But I’d rather focus on the future now. I am a child of the Bundesliga. I will fight my way back. I still play for Bayer Leverkusen, one of the best clubs in Germany.

“I feel comfortable, but under Xabi Alonso I would probably have considered a move.”

Patrik Schick

Schick has also admitted that he would’ve considered leaving Leverkusen had Alonso stayed as manager.

The 29-year-old was left unhappy after being benched towards the end of last season.

“I think it was the decisive game of the season. Hindsight is always 20/20. We had to win, and when you have 20 goals on the bench, it’s hard to accept not playing,” the striker told Sport Bild.

“I told him I was disappointed. But he was our boss. He made the decision, he had the responsibility.

“Assuming Xabi had stayed, we would have had to talk again, like last season. After that, I would have made a decision.”