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."

Alonso's efforts to tackle the issue of leaked starting lineups have also been a focus. In the past, Madrid's team news would often be reported in the media before matches, a problem the club had tried to address by announcing their lineups earlier. However, the issue persisted, and Alonso has now specifically asked his players to help prevent such leaks.

These changes are part of Alonso's broader vision to create a new internal culture at Real Madrid, one that gives him and his staff greater control and minimizes distractions. While some of his decisions have not been well-received by a section of the dressing room, the club is fully supportive of the manager's approach.

As Real Madrid continue their pursuit of silverware this season, Alonso's secrecy measures are likely to remain in place, with the potential for similar tactics to be employed before other high-profile away matches in the Champions League.