Xabi Alonso's decision over one of Real Madrid's most exciting prospects reportedly caused tension behind the scenes. The Spaniard's reign as Los Blancos manager ended unceremoniously when he parted ways at the start of January.
According to Marca (via Madrid Xtra), Alonso's handling of Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch caused issues between the coach and the higher-ups. He opted not to hand the 18-year-old any minutes despite calling him up to the first team.
Pitarch is regarded as one of the best talents in the Castilla team and has caught the eye this season. He made his debut in Madrid's 1-0 win over Benfica in the first-leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday.
Alonso was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa and the caretaker manager knows how much potential the Spanish midfielder possesses. He turned to him off the bench in the victory at the Estadio da Luz which will be remembered for Vinicius Junior recieving alleged racist abuse.
Alonso annoyed Madrid board over Pitarch
It's claimed that Madrid's higher-ups found Alonso's decision to continually ignore Pitarch as "difficult to justify." He has flourished at youth level this season, wowing fans in Castilla's 5-2 win over Marseille in the UEFA Youth League.
The issue Alonso had was that calling him up to senior level meant he was given no game time. That' why Arbeloa sent him back to Castilla to "regain rhythm and to be ready when truly needed."
Arbeloa took the appropriate action regarding the Spanish teenager's development and ensured he was playing regular football. Alonso's approach is the latest of a growing list of problems that occured during his seven months in charge.
Alonso's handling of Endrick also reportedly left the club hierarchy confused. They couldn't understand why the Brazilian was handed little game time when fit and available.
Endrick has starred for Lyon since joining the French club on loan just days before Alonso's departure. The 19-year-old has bagged five goals and one assist in six games.
Alonso was a Pitarch fan
While Alonso clearly didn't feel Pitarch was ready for game time at senior level he was still an admirer of the Spanish starlet. He spoke during pre-season about the immediate impression the Castilla talent made on him (via Tribuna):
"When he started training with us, I liked him practically from the first day. He’s very dynamic, has great energy, and knows how to play between the lines."
Pitarch made appearances during pre-season and many thought he'd do so during the ongoing campaign for Alonso's Madrid. That didn't happen but his outing against Benfica suggests he is now knocking on Arbeloa's door regarding regular minutes for Los Blancos.