Real Madrid players called out for being 'main problem' after Xabi Alonso departure

The Xabi Alonso era is over before it really got started at Real Madrid following an announcement that he has left his role as manager of the La Liga giants. The Spaniard was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement in June but has parted ways just seven months later.

The decision comes after Madrid suffered a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final on Sunday. His side equalized twice on the night but were unable to find a third after Raphinha's deflected effort beat Thibaut Courtois in the second half.

Alonso had been under pressure throughout his debut season at the Estadio Bernabeu amid concerns over his playing style and connection with his players. Many of the club's fanbase feel let down by Los Blancos' stars who haven't shined bright.

Xabi Alonso's departure leaves sour taste in the mouth

Alonso returned to the Bernabeu after spending time in the Spanish capital as a player and he became a hero with Madrid. The former Spanish midfielder was one of the most entertaining playmakers to grace the club and his appointment was an exciting one.

But there were issues from the jump such as his handling of Rodrygo at the FIFA Club World Cup and failure to win that trophy. A 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals raised concerns about his methods.

Vinicius Junior's alarming nosedive has been one of the main talking points during Alonso's reign. The Brazilian went from being one of the world's best attacking talents, to stuttering on an 18-game goal drought.

There were reports suggesting a rift between Vinicius and Alonso and they were backed up by the Brazilian's frustrations when he was subbed off several times. But he wasn't the only one rumored to be at odds with the former Bayer Leverkusen coach.

Kylian Mbappe was Alonso's talisman and in red-hot form under the Spaniard but his constant game time ultimately led to a knee sprain. He started 2026 on the sidelines, missing wins over Real Betis and Atletico Madrid and many blamed the manager's reluctance to rest him.

Alonso was one of Europe's most highly-rated tacticians when appointed but his stock has fallen somewhat as the season has progressed. He wasn't helped by his players whom fans are fuming with.

Madrid players' 'tension' with Alonso irks fans

The fallout following Alonso's departure has included insights into how it got to this point. A report from The Athletic's Mario Cortegana claims that tension between the players and the manager had "increased in recent weeks."

Some of Los Blancos' squad weren't happy with his coaching methods. He arrived after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season and ending Bayern Munich's dominance in the German league.

Yet, Alonso never seemed able to get his players on board with his philosophy and that's why reports of some of them being unhappy aren't surprising. But fans are criticising them for their role in his quick exit.

One fan wrote on X: "I knew this was the main problem."

Another added: "They need to learn on how to adapt not complain."

One supporter suggested the players are in it for themselves: "They want to coach themselves like they did with Ancelotti."

Another was dissapointed Alonso didn't stamp down his authority: "This is so wrong. He should have been stricter and more authoritative from the start- benching and punishing players whenever necessary. He’s the boss; they should have obeyed him."

Alonso oversaw 24 wins in 32 games in charge of Madrid including a 2-1 win against Barca in El Clasico in October. Alvaro Arbeloa has replaced him and made the step up from Madrid Castilla where he'd been coaching since last summer.