Real Madrid Dominates La Liga, Faces Tensions Under New Coach Xabi Alonso

As of November 4th, 2025, Real Madrid is dominating the La Liga title race, leading rivals Barcelona by 5 points after winning 10 of their 11 matches so far. The team's impressive start has been overseen by new coach Xabi Alonso, who was appointed to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season.

However, Alonso's tenure has not been without its challenges. Over the past week, reports have emerged of tensions between the 43-year-old manager and some of his first-team players, with several squad members unhappy with his management style. This comes as a surprise, given Alonso's previous success in developing close and positive relationships with players at his former clubs, Real Sociedad B and Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso's coaching methods, which emphasize thorough tactical work, detailed video analysis, and strict discipline, have not been universally embraced by the Madrid squad. Some established players, such as Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde, have publicly expressed their frustrations with the new manager's approach. Meanwhile, younger talents like Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, and Aurelien Tchouameni have thrived under Alonso's guidance.

As Alonso looks to implement the strategies that served him well in his previous roles, the question remains whether his intense and specific style of management will be sustainable in the long term, and whether Madrid's superstar players will have the "humility" to fully embrace his ideas. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Alonso can successfully navigate the challenges of managing a dressing room full of egos and lead Real Madrid to continued success.