Seriously, Xabi Alonso's High Tension With Real Madrid Players

JAKARTA - Tensions between coach Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid player were leaked. Sources at the club revealed that half-star players mocked Alonso who felt he was like Pep Guardiola.

The high tension in the Madrid team came to light shortly after beating Barcelona 2-1 at El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, last weekend.

The important victory confirmed Madrid's position at the top of the La Liga standings in Spain. With 27 points, Madrid are also already five points ahead with Barca, who are in second place.

Madrid also broke a bad record of always losing in the last four matches at El Clasico. Including how Los Merengues were massacred 4-0 at home in domestic competitions.

Although El Clasico ended in a happy ending for Madrid, that doesn't apply to Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian national team player looked very disappointed when he was pulled out in the 72nd minute. Vinicius Jr even seemed to question Alonso's decision to release him.

Vinicius Jr's attitude, who was disappointed with Alonso's decision, indirectly expressed tensions between the players and the coach. The player is reportedly increasingly uncomfortable and considering his future in Madrid. Meanwhile, Alonso was seen trying to contain anger after the press conference.

According to The Athletic quoted by the Daily Mail, it turns out that not only Vinicius Jr. questioned Alonso's method. A number of players who hold star status are said to dislike the style of former Bayer Leverkusen coach.

Especially those who are used to the old managerial coach, Carlo Ancelotti. They are considered to have difficulty adapting to Alonso's new style.

Moreover, the coach applies strict discipline to players. Alonso was reportedly surprised when he first came to the Santiago Bernabeu and found the players' bad habits in the dressing room.

In the aftermath, the former Madrid and Liverpool player gathered players and gave a briefing on the new rules.

He emphasized the importance of on time. This means that players must arrive on time. Likewise about intensity and dedication during training. He also reminded the players that no one received guarantees as a starter.

Frustration Star Player

The change to be more disciplined coupled with Alonso's style of play makes star players frustrated.

Their status as untouched players, what Ancelotti did when he compiled the first 11 players, also did not apply. They were no longer the first choice so they were frustrated and disappointed with Alonso.

Some of them have won many trophies without the need to do the things the coach asked for. This is what makes them complain, "said a source close to the player.

"This is actually no longer a secret. Some cases have actually emerged to the public. This is a natural thing, especially for those who have been untouched," he said.

Not only that, the changes made by Alonso by prohibiting revealing any information from the dressing room to the media. In the Ancelotti era, things that the team used to convey information or news to the media were only hours before the kick-off of the match.

Now everything is changing. Information coming out of the dressing room is just a list of line-ups released on social media two hours before the game.

Alonso also forbade his family and fellow players to be around the team's training ground. Previously they could freely roam the team's training ground at Real Madrid Sports City.

It's just that the attitude of discipline and style of coaching Alonso even invites players. They mocked Alonso who felt he was like Guardiola.

"He thought he was Pep Guardiola, but he was only Xabi," said a player told his best friend who then told The Athletic.

Despite tensions with the players, Alonso has succeeded in transitioning as a new coach of the largest clubs in Europe and the world.

He also realized the dissatisfaction of the players if they were not played because they were pulled out in the middle of the match. However, Alonso, who brought Liverpool to win the 2005 Champions League, considered it a natural thing.

There are many differences in the character of the player. About Vinicius, there was only one failure, namely scoring goals. But it must be admitted when he left the field, he felt he was in the best condition. I also waited a while before pulling him," said Alonso.

"Vinicius wants to keep playing because he is in the best condition, but we need players in a fitter condition to maintain mastery of the game," he said.

Not only Vini but other players like Franco (Mastantuono) who also want to play. He just asked me, 'You don't play me?' Then I said, 'Yes.' The situation is the same as Vini. He was disappointed when he was pulled out. Likewise Franco who wasn't played. It was experienced by anyone. But I'm satisfied with this performance," he said again.

Madrid will face Valencia at the Bernabeu in the La Liga competition, this weekend.

Next, they met Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield. The game is full of emotions for Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold who was previously Liverpool's pillar of defense.