Real Madrid is currently experiencing one of its deepest crises in recent years. The second consecutive season without a trophy and a lag behind Barcelona in the league standings have been overshadowed by internal turmoil within the squad. A recent physical altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni has only exacerbated long-standing tensions that trace back to the tenure of Xabi Alonso.
According to Marca, cracks in the team began to appear in October 2025, shortly after Xabi Alonso took over the club. A faction of players, primarily offensive players accustomed to freedom under Carlo Ancelotti, rebelled against Alonso’s methods. Strict rules, demands for discipline, and intense tactical training were met with resistance. Discontent escalated to the point where some players reportedly ignored Alonso during tactical meetings, whispered, or pretended to sleep. Frustrated by their behavior, Alonso reportedly exclaimed:
“I didn’t know I was coming to a kindergarten!”
Alonso’s approach created two irreconcilable factions. One side, opposing the coach, was led by Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde, with support from Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. On the other side, players like Aurélien Tchouaméni supported Alonso’s vision. Tensions culminated during El Clásico when Alonso substituted Vinícius, who reacted angrily and left the field demonstratively. Although the Brazilian later apologized, the moment marked the final breakdown of relations and soon led to Alonso’s departure.
The arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa provided only temporary relief. He inherited a deeply divided dressing room, and as poor results returned, old conflicts resurfaced. The recent physical altercation between Valverde and Tchouaméni, players who have been on opposing sides since the Alonso controversy, only amplified the situation. Valverde ended up in the hospital after a head injury following a second altercation in a few days. Marca notes that six players do not communicate with Arbeloa at all, further adding to the unrest. The status of Kylian Mbappé and players’ dissatisfaction with minutes played also contribute to the turmoil.
