Bale Explains Why Xabi Alonso Failed at Real Madrid
Gareth Bale has delivered a blunt verdict on Xabi Alonso’s short-lived reign at Real Madrid, arguing that the Spaniard’s downfall was not tactical but managerial. Despite early results and a strong reputation, Alonso’s inability to manage egos under the intense spotlight of the Santiago Bernabeu ultimately led to his dismissal.
Alonso left his role just over a week ago after defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a loss that accelerated growing tension behind the scenes. The decision came despite an impressive early run of 13 wins from his first 14 matches, a sequence that briefly suggested Madrid had found long-term stability on the bench.
Fresh from historic success at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso arrived in Madrid viewed as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. However, the demands of Real Madrid are unique. The club’s culture, history, and collection of global stars often place man-management above tactical innovation, a balance that has defined the success of figures like Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Bale drew from personal experience after a decade in Madrid’s high-pressure environment. He described a dressing room filled with elite individuals who thrive on trust and freedom rather than rigid instruction, especially during decisive moments in major competitions.
Bale pointed to Alonso’s strained relationship with Vinicius Junior as a defining issue. The Brazilian was benched on several occasions, decisions that reportedly caused friction and culminated in an emotional reaction during a Clasico substitution. Those moments exposed the fragile balance between authority and empathy required at the Bernabeu.
The Super Cup final loss to Barcelona became the turning point. Madrid struggled to impose themselves, and individual quality failed to compensate for a lack of cohesion. The defeat not only ended a trophy bid but also reinforced doubts about whether Alonso’s structured approach was limiting players capable of deciding matches on instinct alone.
Bale’s wider argument focused on philosophy. He suggested that Madrid’s squads, built around Galactico-level talent, do not need complex systems. Instead, they require clarity, confidence, and room to express themselves, traits he believes were restricted under Alonso’s more disciplined methods.
Comparisons with Ancelotti surfaced again through comments from captain Dani Carvajal, who highlighted the greater freedom players enjoyed under the Italian. As results dipped and discontent grew, Alonso found himself isolated, a familiar fate for coaches who struggle to align authority with autonomy at Madrid.
Bale’s assessment serves as both an explanation and a warning. With stars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior defining the current era, Real Madrid’s next success will likely hinge less on tactical genius and more on leadership. For Alonso, his Madrid chapter ends as a reminder that at the Bernabeu, managing personalities can matter more than perfecting systems.