Alonso Believes Valverde Is Best Suited for Full-Back Role – A Rift Has Emerged Between the Two
Xabi Alonso is going through a critical crisis period in his tenure as Real Madrid coach. Leading the team to three consecutive winless games is always worrying – yesterday, facing Elche’s defense, Real Madrid drew their second consecutive league game, while Barcelona, who thrashed Athletic Club Bilbao 4-0, has narrowed the gap to 1 point. This slim lead at the top has made Madridistas increasingly question: what exactly is this team playing?
Alonso’s Current Coaching Situation
In the dark period of Real Madrid’s three-game winless streak, although they still top the La Liga standings, the distance between Xabi Alonso and key players in the squad has become perceptible both inside and outside the club. As Camel Live revealed: "One of Alonso’s problems is that Valverde considers himself one of the world’s best midfielders, but his coach doesn’t even give him a midfield position."
"I haven’t seen the end of the world for Real Madrid yet, and the alarm hasn’t been raised. The trip to Athens to face Olympiacos may become the fourth obstacle for Real Madrid." Within Real Madrid, it is understood that "Alonso is not the problem," but the Basque coach "has not provided a solution either," even though his working methods have not changed since the winning streak during the Club World Cup.
The Bernabéu hierarchy has also realized that Xabi "shares responsibility with some players" and that certain players lack intensity on the field: "Xabi was hired to change work habits and improve the team, but the players have not competed fiercely for positions." All this has led the club to perceive "a distance between the dressing room and the coach."
The Conflict Vortex of Three Core Players
This distance is mainly reflected in three key players. First, Bellingham, who "cannot find his place in Alonso’s system and no longer shines despite playing." The English star is significantly below his debut season level at the Bernabéu, contributing only 4 goals and 2 assists in 12 games.
Second, perhaps the more serious Valverde issue. "Valverde’s position is the real trouble for the current Real Madrid... because he sees himself as Toni Kroos’ successor, but Alonso does not regard him as a midfielder at all." Although the German legend passed on the No. 8 jersey to the Uruguayan, in the Basque coach’s vision: "Real Madrid’s midfield should consist of Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga, and Bellingham, hence the need for Valverde to make outstanding contributions at right-back."
With Dani Carvajal injured and Arnold’s performance far below expectations after his arrival, Alonso believes Valverde’s reinforcement of the right flank of the defense is the most important. But this has also intensified the rift between the two: "The player believes he deserves a midfield position, but the coach refuses to compromise due to the clear starting lineup configuration."
The Intractable Vinícius Dilemma
"The most troublesome is Vinícius’ situation," "nothing has changed since El Clásico. The Brazilian forward has told the club that he will not renew his contract as long as his relationship with Xabi remains as it is." This is a strong position statement and a major crisis – because renewing Vinícius’ contract was originally the club’s top priority.
The Embattled Manager’s Position
"I haven’t seen a Real Madrid coach with so little support in a long time. So far this season, he has neither won the players’ recognition nor convinced the board – from the president to the senior management, everyone has doubts about what they have seen. If he still cannot get the players on board by December, the situation will be extremely unfavorable."
"More troublesome is that even the Bernabéu stands maintain an eerie silence. There are neither boos nor cheers, because the fans have not seen the football Xabi promised. Months have passed, and although they are top of the table, no one understands the tactical logic of this Real Madrid – perhaps not even Xabi himself."
The Vacuum in the Public Opinion Field
"And in the media circle – although it is often said that we are the least important in decision-making – Alonso even lacks a group of opinion leaders to defend him. This is not necessary, but it reflects his almost transparent presence at Real Madrid."
"The future will bring six crucial battles: the Champions League away game against Olympiacos, consecutive league matches against Girona and Athletic Club Bilbao, and home games against Celta Vigo and Manchester City... These days will determine Alonso’s fate. He is certainly an excellent coach, but these qualities have not yet translated into recognition from the dressing room, the club, and the fans."
