Xabi Alonso appeared to be a great arrival for Real Madrid at the start of the 2025-26 season, but alleged problems in the dressing room seem to have changed this dynamic. Although the team has managed to stay competitive in the Champions League, their reality in LaLiga is quite different, losing their lead to Barcelona. Additionally, the Spaniard seems to be experiencing issues in the dressing room, with reports suggesting that some players have doubts.
In order to resolve issues within the locker room, Xabi Alonso spoke with several Real Madrid players to ask them what could be improved and how their problems could be solved, reported Edu Aguirre. Nonetheless, Mario Cortegana in The Athletic reported that the Spaniard coach continues to fail to convince a certain group of players with his methods. In fact, the coach’s messages are not reportedly getting through to the team’s dressing room.
Even though Xabi Alonso has not managed to restore balance to the team, he is not regarded as the main problem at Real Madrid, reported Mario Cortegana. A source close to The Athletic claims that Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior are incompatible in the same lineup. In fact, the Englishman has been a substitute in Los Blancos’ last two games, which lends credence to this information.
Real Madrid might not be at their peak currently, but they continue to be competitive across all competitions, holding the second position in La Liga and ranking among the top five in the Champions League. Xabi Alonso still has a clear opportunity to turn the team’s fortunes around. With five games remaining in 2025, the coach could focus on regaining control of the midfield, and look for a winning streak to conclude the year in a competitive form.
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, gives instructions to Jude Bellingham.
Xabi Alonso could find Real Madrid’s missing spark with Nico Paz
At the beginning of the 2025-26 season, Real Madrid have proven to be one of the most dangerous teams on offense, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior playing at an impressive level and improving their on-field connection. Despite this, Xabi Alonso seems unable to find a player capable of controlling the tempo in midfield, something that the supposed arrival of Nico Paz could solve and restore the team’s dominance.
see also
Kylian Mbappé–Vinícius Júnior duo taking off? Real Madrid boss addresses stars’ situation
Despite Xabi Alonso’s numerous options in midfield, none have managed to dictate the team’s tempo effectively. As a result, Real Madrid plan to activate Nico Paz’s buyback clause in January 2026, according to Gaston Edul’s report. With Paz’s comeback, the coach may finally have the player who can orchestrate the team, potentially solving one of the season’s biggest issues to revert its current unstable situation.
