Xabi Alonso reportedly accused his players of behaving like they were in a 'nursery' in one training session at Real Madrid, sparking his downfall. Spanish newspaper MARCA claim that Alonso had already 'begun to leave' Madrid in November at the time of his rant. Moreover, MARCA reports that a 'buzz' around Alvaro Arbeloa began to circulate in the dressing room long before he was appointed as Alonso's successor. Under Alonso, the elite stars reportedly found tactical sessions 'excessively demanding' and complained about an information overload, even becoming 'uncomfortable' as several coaches bombarded them with instructions. Madrid are still in the LaLiga title fight and sit seventh in the Champions League league phase.

Source: Daily Mail January 14, 2026 15:43 UTC