29/10/2025
🚨 A source connected to **Real Madrid’s training center** has revealed —
“Xabi Alonso has been trying to bring more **discipline and structure** into the team’s daily routine.
His plan includes stricter schedules, increased gym work during recovery phases, and both team and individual video analysis sessions.”
However, **not everyone has welcomed these changes.**
Sources close to the first-team players have indicated that a sense of frustration has begun to grow inside the squad.
Several senior players reportedly feel that they are **not being respected enough**, and they are unhappy with the new methods.
Many players are also **frustrated**, believing they’ve lost the freedom to express their natural creativity on the pitch.
They’ve started comparing **Xabi Alonso’s strict, disciplined approach** with **Carlo Ancelotti’s more relaxed, trust-based style**.
Some Real Madrid players feel that since Alonso took charge, they’ve **lost the spontaneity** that used to define their game.
Compared to Ancelotti’s flexible and player-trusting philosophy, Alonso’s **structured and rigid methods** have limited their creativity and natural flow. 🎯
Sources close to the club said:
“Many of them have already won plenty of titles *without all these rules*.
So when new restrictions are suddenly imposed, it frustrates them.
It’s no secret — some incidents have already become public.
And it’s understandable, especially for those who were once considered ‘untouchable.’”
A close friend of one first-team player said:
“Real Madrid now have a coach who is **deeply involved in training sessions**.
Previously, there was a coach who was **barely present** during practice.”
Other insiders added that players see **Xabi Alonso** as somewhat **distant and hard to approach**,
— the exact opposite of Ancelotti, who was known for being warm and deeply loved within the squad.
As one top player’s associate put it:
> “He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola. But so far, he’s just Xabi.”
This comparison to **Guardiola** isn’t entirely meant as criticism —
it’s being made in **both positive and negative** ways, depending on who you ask.
— *Source: The Athletic FC*