Tension rise in Real Madrid dressing room over Xabi Alonso's 'Rigid' methods

Despite a strong start to the season, discontent is reportedly simmering within the Real Madrid squad over manager Xabi Alonso's demanding and distant management style.

According to a report from The Athletic, several senior players are frustrated with his strict approach, with some insiders suggesting he "thinks he’s Pep Guardiola."

Since his arrival in June, Alonso has implemented a series of sweeping changes, determined to move on from the era of his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti. The new regime has introduced more than just additional gym work; it has fundamentally altered the daily environment at the club.

Access to the training ground is now restricted to essential staff only, and players' entourages face new limitations.

The dressing room is off-limits to outsiders before matches and at halftime, a move designed to eliminate distractions and prevent lineup leaks. While these measures aim to foster focus and privacy, they have unsettled some veteran players accustomed to a more relaxed atmosphere.

The friction is palpable behind the scenes. Some players feel their creativity is being stifled on the pitch, while others find Alonso "unapproachable," a stark contrast to Ancelotti's famously warm and open demeanour.

The comparison to the legendary Manchester City manager has become a recurring theme in squad conversations.

"Some of them have won so much without doing these things that when these have been imposed on them, they have complained. He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi," a source close to the dressing room told The Athletic.

This sentiment, a mix of admiration and skepticism, underscores the current mood. The tension was publicly visible when Vinicius Junior reacted angrily to being substituted against Barcelona, but the underlying issues appear to run deeper.

Regardless of the internal grumbling, Alonso's methods are yielding results. Real Madrid currently sit atop the La Liga table and have put in solid performances in the Champions League.

The manager has also shown a willingness to give opportunities to young talents like Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono, using squad rotation to keep players involved.

Alonso and his staff, including assistant Sebastian Parrilla and physical trainer Ismael Camenforte, are committed to a long-term vision.

"They are aware that they are immersed in a process that requires patience for the team to function as they have planned," the source added.