The Here We Go Podcast XABI ALONSO SACKED BY REAL MADRID! FABRIZIO ROMANO TELLS WHAT WENT WRONG BEHIND THE SCENES!
Jan 12, 2026
Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football transfer journalist, dives into the shocking sacking of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid. He unpacks the tensions between Alonso's tactical approach and the players familiar with Ancelotti's style. Discover the behind-the-scenes escalation that led to this drastic decision and Florentino Perez's response. Fabrizio also shares insights on the appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa as interim manager and the challenges he faces, along with the overall sentiment at the club after this unexpected turn.
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Tactical Vision Versus Player Habit
- Xabi Alonso tried to impose his own tactical identity at Real Madrid, different from the players' expectations under Ancelotti.
- That mismatch between managerial vision and player habits created persistent tension behind the scenes.
Player Preference For Proven Style
- Real Madrid players preferred the previous style that won titles under Carlo Ancelotti and resisted sudden changes.
- Some of Xabi's decisions were unpopular and undermined his connection with key squad members.
Vinícius Reaction Signalled Friction
- Fabrizio recalls Vinícius Jr.'s visible reaction during El Clásico as a symptom of a fraught player-manager relationship.
- Xabi fixed that specific incident, but the wider connection remained fragile with other players too.