Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on Real Madrid’s recent slump, admitting the team “played very badly” in the defeats to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. His comments arrive at a sensitive moment for Xabi Alonso, whose strict methods have unsettled parts of the dressing room and exposed a tactical transition that is proving far more turbulent than expected.
Chema Andres has opened up about his early days in Real Madrid's youth squad under Xabi Alonso revealing the “spectacular” training sessions under the Spaniard and as he revealed he scored the first-ever goal of the Liverpool legend’s coaching career.
The weekend before an international break always feels significant. Pick up a positive result and the only thing a manager really has to worry about is players suffering injury while representing their countries. A defeat, though, results in two torturous weeks as the result is pored over in the press while the coach waits for the opportunity to make amends.
Xabi Alonso has admitted that Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to start for Real Madrid this weekend. The England international has endured a testing start to life in Madrid following his high-profile move to the capital from Liverpool, with injuries restricting the 27-year-old to just two league starts. However, the defender is fit to feature from the off against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Former Real Madrid youth player Jacobo Ramon wants to return to his boyhood club one day after first meeting with 'football legend' Xabi Alonso. Ramon left Madrid in the summer to join Como to grow under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas but the 20-year-old is determined to improve his game as he wants to reach the 'Real Madrid level' and return to Santiago Bernabeu someday.
David Alaba has rejoined Real Madrid group training and is expected to be in the squad for Sunday's La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, providing a major boost for Xabi Alonso. The defender returns from a calf injury that has seen him miss four games, as the club continues to cope with injuries to Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was not too critical of his team's display during the narrow defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday. Alonso says he set up his team to win the midfield battle against Arne Slot's men as he made tactical adjustments in the second half, but lamented their inability to create clear chances at Anfield.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says it is just a "matter of time" before Florian Wirtz delivers for Liverpool after a tough start to life at Anfield. The Germany international swapped Bayer Leverkusen for the Reds in a £116 million deal in the summer but so far he has flattered to deceive for Arne Slot's team. Ahead of a reunion with ex-Leverkusen boss Alonso, the Spaniard has backed the 22-year-old to come good.
Xabi Alonso addressed the latest injury to Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, with the setback set to rule the full-back out for the rest of the year. The Madrid head coach stated that "it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor" the morning after he oversaw his side's dramatic 2-1 win over arch-rivals El Clasico. This is already the second time Carvajal has suffered an injury this season.
Xabi Alonso has responded to Vinicius Junior's public apology in light of his unpleasant reaction to being taken off during the 2-1 win against Barcelona last weekend. Speaking to reporters, the Real Madrid head coach put all doubts to bed once and for all by claiming that the "matter is closed" while also admitting that the Brazilian was "impeccable" during the conversations they had.
Former Atletico Madrid star Gabi has blasted Vinicius Junior's Clasico antics as "unacceptable and egocentric," telling Xabi Alonso he "has to take action" against the Real Madrid star. The criticism follows Vinicius storming down the tunnel after being substituted against Barcelona, reportedly saying he will leave the Spanish side as he walked down the tunnel.
Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr remain committed to extending their partnership and were close to agreeing on terms but the process has stalled after the controversial Clasico incident. Once close to finalising a new deal until 2030, talks have frozen amid growing tension between the Brazilian star and manager Xabi Alonso. Behind closed doors, a power struggle is brewing between Madrid’s hierarchy, their new coach, and Vinicius.
Liverpool have been warned that Florian Wirtz could leave in January, as Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is keeping tabs on his former Bayer Leverkusen apprentice. The German arrived at Anfield amid huge fanfare this summer for a staggering £116 million ($153m). The 22-year-old was supposed to be the creative spark to define Arne Slot’s new era. But ten games into his English journey, the German wonderkid is already under the microscope for his ordinary performances, and the pressure is mounting fast.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has made a grovelling apology for his behaviour after being substituted during the 2-1 Clasico victory over arch-rivals Barcelona. The Brazil international stormed off the pitch, headed straight down the tunnel and was heard saying he was going to "leave the team" after being taken off, but has now apologised to everyone except boss Xabi Alonso.
Vinicius Jr’s Real Madrid future is in serious doubt after a public fallout with Xabi Alonso during El Clasico and growing frustration over his stalled contract talks. The Brazilian is reportedly eyeing a move to Paris Saint-Germain, drawn by Luis Enrique’s playing style and leadership, as relations in Madrid reach breaking point despite his recent public apology.
Vinicius Junior has issued a public apology to Real Madrid for his reaction after being substituted in the 2-1 win over Barcelona at the weekend. The Los Blancos star was hooked with fifteen minutes to go in El Clasico, prompting a furious reaction from the Brazilian, who appeared to ignore Xabi Alonso before heading straight down the tunnel. The 25-year-old has now shared his apologies for the moment, but gave no mention to his boss.