Jude Bellingham refuted claims that he had a bad relationship with Xabi Alonso during the Spaniard's seven months in charge at Real Madrid. The English midfielder called it nonsense and this came after he penned a farewell message to his former manager.
The 22-year-old received whistles and boos in the aftermath of Alonso's dismissal. He wasn't the only one as Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde were also blamed by fans for the bitter end to what should have been a new era under the club's legendary former midfielder.
While Bellingham has insisted there were no issues between himself and Alonso that isn't what Spanish media are reporting. In fact, they claim he went against his coach's tactics and continues to do so under Alvaro Arbeloa.
Jude Bellingham and Xabi Alonso's reported issue
Bellingham started his Madrid career as the main attacking outlet in Carlo Ancelotti's team. He and the team reaped the rewards as he 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions during the 2023-24 season.
According to Eduardo Inda of El Chiringuito TV, Bellingham wasn't keen on playing a deeper role under Alonso. This led to problems between the pair as he explained:
"Jude Bellingham's relationship with Xabi Alonso was bad. Xabi always asked him to pull back his position because in the Englishman's first season there was no striker and he was the one scoring the goals. He tried to keep playing that way when Mbappe arrived. Ancelotti asked him to pull back his position and sometimes he did. Ancelotti asked him, then Xabi Alonso, and he didn't listen. Arbeloa has asked him to play further back. He clashes with Mbappe; they often overlap."
"Le ha pedido a Bellingham que retrase su posición". pic.twitter.com/ZgEa4UBjJa
— Eduardo Inda (@eduardoinda) February 3, 2026
Bellingham has endured a frustrating season which has seen his performances come under criticism. He has appeared 28 times across competitions, registering six goals and four assists.
The English midfielder has been used in various positions including on the left and in central midfield. He prefers to play in the 10 but the current team's tactical setup doesn't often allow him to do so.
Jude Bellingham faces an important 2026-27 season
It's looking increasingly likely that Arbeloa's reign as caretaker manager will end when the season concludes. There's no indication that he will be kept on although a trophy win might change the situation.
Bellingham will be in his fourth season at the club when the 2026-27 campaign kicks off and it will probably the most pressure he's ever been under. A new permanent coach might opt to use him in his favored position which will be a huge benefit.
But if he is asked to continue playing a deeper role then he can't continue to ignore this demand. The allegation that he refused to do so under Alonso is alarming and if Madrid were to appoint a tactician like Jurgen Klopp he would have no excuse to go against the manager.