La Liga
The adventure of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid was as brief as it was tumultuous. What began with a solid streak in LaLiga ended in internal fracture that the club failed —or refused— to address. The turning point came in El Clásico, when the substitution of Vinicius triggered tensions with heavyweight figures in the squad.
From then on, the coach from Tolosa lost his influence. Tactful and managerial disagreements eroded his authority leading to his dismissal. A decision that, months later, is starting to evoke regret within the noble ranks of the Bernabéu.
From Xabi to Arbeloa: Change without Improvement
The handover was internal. Álvaro Arbeloa, from the youth academy, took over the helm with the endorsement of knowing the house and the mission to pacify the squad. In this regard, the Madrid native has achieved some stability. However, Real Madrid's problem wasn't just about coexistence.
Under Arbeloa's leadership, the team has regressed in results. Eliminated from the Copa del Rey by a second division team and trailing Barcelona by four points in LaLiga after having been leaders just weeks ago, the competitive balance is negative. The sense is one of identity loss and lack of direction at crucial moments.
The team lacks authority. Tactical decisions haven't addressed structural deficiencies and inconsistency has become the norm. Despite Arbeloa's control over the group, he hasn't managed to lift the collective performance.
A Disoriented Squad
The root of the problem seems deeper. The squad shows signs of competitive disconnection. There is a lack of internal leadership, clarity on the field, and a defined sports hierarchy. Xabi Alonso tried to enforce criteria but encountered resistance. Arbeloa has opted for conciliation, yet without solid results.
Florentino Pérez now views the panorama from a different perspective. Xabi's dismissal, taken to prevent a major fracture, may have been hasty. In hindsight, perhaps the bet should have been to reinforce the coach's authority and demand greater commitment from the squad.

The Champions, Last Glimmer of Hope
Only the Champions League remains as a lifeline. However, the tie against Manchester City doesn't spark optimism. The English side is the favorite in the round of 16, and an elimination would confirm a near-empty season.
Álvaro Arbeloa is aware that his tenure has an expiry date. Unless there is an unexpected twist in Europe, Real Madrid will face the next season with a new coach.
The club is heading into a summer that seems to be one of reconstruction. An uneasy feeling is starting to settle in the Bernabéu offices: perhaps the problem wasn't just in the dugout, but in a squad that needed a deeper shake-up.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Florentino se arrepiente de la destitución de Xabi Alonso!
