The arrival of the new year has triggered another managerial shift in the soccer world as Xabi Alonso has been dismissed from his role as the manager of Real Madrid after just a brief seven months. This season has proven to be quite tumultuous for Los Blancos. Following a disappointing loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España, president Florentino Perez opted for a swift change.
After Alonso’s departure was made public, the club quickly announced Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach, suggesting that this decision had been long considered before the Clasico defeat, with that match ultimately marking the end for Alonso. Despite past successes, his reign at Madrid was fraught with difficulties, particularly as he attempted to establish his methods in a club renowned for its powerful president, which remained a daunting challenge.
Overcoming Initial Struggles
When Alonso took the reins, the club was occupied with the Club World Cup, allowing him a somewhat measured start. However, early exits in the tournament, including a setback against Paris Saint-Germain, left a mark on his credibility. Despite seeing potential in newcomers like Arda Guler and Gonzalo Garcia, momentum was ultimately lost.
Catastrophe in the Madrid Derby
The first significant turning point came when Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, which became indicative of the team’s struggles. Following that defeat, though results seemed promising at times, a series of underwhelming draws against lesser opponents showcased a worrying trend.
Notable Frustrations and Shift in Dynamics
As the season progressed, issues arose within the squad, highlighted by a notable incident in the October Clasico, where tensions became apparent when Vinicius Junior visibly expressed frustration. The power dynamics at Real Madrid, primarily orchestrated by Florentino Perez, placed additional pressure on a manager who was still finding his footing amidst prevailing expectations.
Conclusion
Now, with Alonso’s exit, Arbeloa steps in, inheriting a squad poised for potential yet plagued by unmet expectations. Alonso will undoubtedly continue to be sought after in the coaching landscape, carving a path that aligns with his vision to cultivate a winning culture—elements that often differ from the rigid structure of Real Madrid under Perez.
