Tifo Football Podcast Real Madrid & the manager market and who should be the next Man Utd boss?
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Jan 14, 2026 Join journalist Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, known for his insightful reporting at The Athletic, as he dives into Real Madrid's recent sacking of Xabi Alonso. The discussion highlights the internal power struggles that led to this decision, including a notable player backlash. The panel also speculates about a chaotic summer managerial market, debating potential replacements for both Real Madrid and Manchester United, with names like Unai Emery surfacing. Will club traditions and modern strategies clash in this unfolding drama?
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Club Culture Trumps Tactical Plans
- Real Madrid's firing of Xabi Alonso shows dressing-room power and club culture can override tactical progress.
- Florentino Pérez and senior players ultimately decide direction, making deep cultural change very hard.
Vinicius' Clasico Outburst Exposed Rifts
- Vinicius's visible outburst during a Clasico substitution signalled deep dressing-room tensions.
- He later apologised to the squad but omitted Alonso, which worsened Alonso's standing with the hierarchy.
Success Triggered Backlash Against Change
- Madrid showed impatience with a tactical rebuild once initial success hinted it could work.
- The club balked at the sustained effort required to fully commit to a modern, disciplined project.