What changes has Xabi Alonso made at Real Madrid?

Xabi Alonso, the Real Madrid manager, has introduced new rules to increase privacy and control within the club, including restricting access to the training ground and limiting the number of staff around the team before and during matches.

Why did Xabi Alonso decide not to train at Anfield before the Liverpool match?

Alonso and his coaching staff preferred to prepare for the Champions League match against Liverpool on November 7, 2025, at their own training ground, away from the "200 cameras" that would have been present at Anfield.

How has Xabi Alonso addressed the issue of leaked Real Madrid starting lineups?

Alonso has specifically asked his players to help prevent the starting XI from being leaked to the media before matches, as this has been a persistent problem for the club in recent years.

Home / Sports / Real Madrid's Secrecy Crackdown: Xabi Alonso's Dressing Room Overhaul

Real Madrid's Secrecy Crackdown: Xabi Alonso's Dressing Room Overhaul

7 Nov

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Summary

Xabi Alonso implements new rules to increase privacy and control at Real Madrid
Restricts access to training ground and limits staff around the team
Tackles issue of leaked starting lineups before big matches

Real Madrid's Secrecy Crackdown: Xabi Alonso's Dressing Room Overhaul

Since taking over as Real Madrid manager in late May 2025, Xabi Alonso has been working to transform the club's internal culture and increase control over the first-team operations. One of his key priorities has been to enhance secrecy and privacy around the squad.

Alonso and his coaching staff have implemented a series of new rules in the dressing room, including measures to restrict access and limit the number of club staff around the team before and during matches. At the training ground, the manager has also cut down on the presence of players' entourages, allowing only essential personnel to be present.

The latest example of Alonso's secrecy drive came when he decided not to train at Anfield before Real Madrid's Champions League match against Liverpool on November 7, 2025. The manager explained that he and his staff prefer to prepare for the game "in our own space, so that we are not surrounded by 200 cameras."