Xabi Alonso Targets Underperforming Players After Real Madrid’s Draw in Club World Cup Opener
In a surprising development following Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in their FIFA 2025 Club World Cup debut, newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly singled out three players for underwhelming performances and urged club president Florentino Pérez to take immediate action.
Sources close to the team indicate that Alonso, visibly frustrated after the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, called for the removal of Rodrygo Goes, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga from the squad. The coach, known for his intense, high-pressing style, made it clear in the post-match press conference that he expected higher standards:
“We need total commitment. I can’t accept performances below what this club demands.”
Despite high expectations following Alonso’s triumphant run at Bayer Leverkusen — where he won the Bundesliga unbeaten and the German Cup — his Real Madrid debut failed to impress. Though new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen showed flashes of promise, the team struggled with cohesion. Rodrygo missed key chances, Tchouaméni gave away dangerous possessions, and Camavinga looked out of sync in Alonso’s evolving system.
Alonso’s bold demand for the trio’s immediate dismissal sparked controversy. Some fans praised his decisive leadership, while others questioned the wisdom of publicly criticizing cornerstone players, especially amid pressure to perform. Speculation about Rodrygo’s potential transfer — possibly to Liverpool — has since intensified.
Florentino Pérez, who appointed Alonso to lead a new era after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, responded swiftly. While he stopped short of firing the players, insider reports suggest a compromise: the three would remain on the roster but under review as Alonso reshapes the team.
With Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger sidelined due to injuries, and youth players like Raúl Asencio and Gonzalo García stepping in, the squad is in transition. Alonso, under contract until 2028, faces the immense challenge of implementing his system quickly amid a high-stakes tournament that carries a €150 million prize.
As Real Madrid gears up for their next match against Pachuca, the focus remains on how Alonso manages team dynamics and whether his no-nonsense approach will deliver results — or spark further unrest at one of the world’s most demanding clubs.
