In an unexpected turn after the debut of Real Madrid at the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup against the Al-Hilal, the new team coach, Xabi Alonso, has unleashed a storm within the club by publicly pointing to three players for their low performance in the opening match. According to sources close to the team, Alonso, visibly frustrated after the 1-1 draw at the Hard Rock Stadium, demanded President Florentino Pérez to take drastic measures and immediately fire Rodrygo Goes, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid. Pérez’s response was swift, and the president, known for his pragmatism, would have made an immediate decision, although the details are still wrapped in mystery.
The match against Al-Hilal, played on June 18, 2025, marked the beginning of the era of Xabi Alonso in front of Real Madrid. Despite the expectations generated by his successful stage at the Bayer Leverkusen, where he conquered the undefeated bundesliga and the German Cup, the debut of coach Tolosarra did not meet expectations. Real Madrid, which aligned with new signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, showed quality flashes but lacked cohesion, especially in the center of the countryside and the attack. Rodrygo, who is going through an irregular season with just one goal in his last 15 games, failed several clear occasions. Tchouaméni, used as a defensive midfielder, lost key balls that put the defense in danger. Camavinga, meanwhile, failed to impose its usual dynamism, wearing disconnected in a tactical system that is still under construction.
Alonso, known for his demand and focus on high pressure and vertical game, did not hide his dissatisfaction at the press conference after the meeting. “We need total commitment. I can’t accept yields below what this club demands. I have talked to the president, and he knows what I think,” he said. According to El Confidencial reports, Alonso was direct when identifying Rodrygo, Tchouaméni and Camavinga as the main responsible for the disappointing action, asking Pérez that the three were separated from the team immediately. This request, unusual for its forcefulness, reflects the firm character of the coach, who seeks to establish his authority from the beginning in a club where the pressure to win is implacable.
Florentino Pérez, who had opted for Alonso to lead a new project after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, acted quickly. Although official details have not been revealed, sources close to the club suggest that Pérez, aware of the importance of the Club World Cup and its prize of 150 million euros, partially supported Alonso’s position. However, instead of immediate layoffs, the president would have opted for an intermediate solution: the three players will remain in the workfor years under the command of Ancelotti.
The Club World Cup, which is celebrated in the United States, is a crucial test for Real Madrid, especially after a 2024-25 season without great titles. Alonso, who arrived with a contract until 2028, has the difficult task of implementing his game philosophy in record time, with a template affected by injuries and the integration of new players. The inclusion of Canteranos such as Raúl Asencio and Gonzalo García in the tournament demonstrates their commitment to youth, but also exposes the in -depth deficiencies of the staff. In addition, the arrival of Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen has not been enough to compensate for the absences of Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, who still recover from injuries.
Alonso’s demand to separate three star players has generated debate among fans. While some applaud their courage to make difficult decisions, others question whether to publicly blame Rodrygo, Tchouaméni and Camavinga is the best way to motivate a template under pressure. Rodrygo, in particular, has been subject to speculation about a possible exit, with rumors that link him to Liverpool as part of one exchange for another midfielder. For their part, Tchouaméni and Camavinga, considered pillars of the future of the club, could benefit from a role change under the 4-3-3 system that Alonso plans to consolidate.
As Real Madrid prepares for his next game against Pachuca, all eyes are set in Alonso and Pérez. The coach, backed by a renewed coaching staff that includes Ismael Camenforte and Javier Arnáiz, seeks to impose his stamp on a tournament that could define the course of his project. Pérez’s decision, although not yet completely clear, shows that the president is willing to support his new coach, but with the caution that characterizes his management. In a club where second place is a failure, the Club World Cup will be the first big test to determine if the Alonso era is intended for success or controversy.
