Real Madrid sits atop La liga,but a cloud of doubt hangs over the team. The squad’s performance isn’t inspiring confidence, some key figures appear to be underperforming, and the dynamic between coach Xabi Alonso and star player Vinicius is a hot topic of discussion.
A recent draw against Rayo Vallecano (0-0) has done more than just slow Real Madrid’s momentum; it has also amplified internal concerns and sparked a debate about the team’s direction under Xabi Alonso. Despite holding a three-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings, the atmosphere surrounding the club has become tense.
In a recent sports analysis, journalist Manu Carreño highlighted the challenging period Real Madrid is experiencing. He expressed concern over the team’s performance against Rayo, stating, “It was another lackluster showing from Real Madrid. While it’s true they are leading the league and have only suffered two defeats, their current position feels more like a result of individual brilliance, like a player who was on fire and scoring everything in sight, rather than a cohesive team effort.”
Players Seemingly Lacking Joy on the Field
carreño pointed out that the team struggles to create exciting play and fails to generate any real emotion from its performances. “The match against Rayo was truly disappointing, incredibly dull… It feels like the players aren’t enjoying themselves, and that’s a meaningful part of professional football. We’re not really seeing Real Madrid playing with a sense of fun; perhaps they’re too bogged down by tactics and strategy,” he lamented.
The journalist also criticized the players’ commitment on the field. “The moment the whistle blows, you have to outrun your opponent.And they’re not doing that.It’s certainly not entirely Xabi Alonso’s fault. Watching players like Vinicius or [hypothetical star player] yesterday, you’d think, ‘what is going on?’ The intensity Xabi Alonso aimed to instill and the pressure without the ball are practically nonexistent.”
Strained Relationship with Vinicius
Moreover, Carreño discussed the power dynamics between the locker room and the coach. He suggested that the relationship between Xabi Alonso and certain key figures has deteriorated in recent weeks, notably following the controversy involving Vinicius. “The relationship with the locker room,while not outright opposed,doesn’t seem to be at its best either. It appears that since the Vinicius situation, Xabi Alonso has been impacted. My sense is that if the club had to choose between Vinicius and Xabi Alonso tomorrow – which is not the current situation – Real would likely favor the player over the coach.”
This critical assessment encapsulates the current sentiment in Madrid. While the team’s results have generally been positive, the style of play and the connection between the coach and his players are causing concern. As the league heads into a break, Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of finding the right formula to reignite his team and quell the growing criticism.
