Ex-Liverpool Star Holds His Hands Up for Post-Xabi Alonso Real Madrid Nightmare

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, once a hero at Anfield, has publicly taken responsibility for Real Madrid's chaotic downfall during his ill-fated managerial stint, admitting his tactical vision clashed disastrously with the squad's star players[1].

Alonso's tenure as Real Madrid boss ended abruptly on Monday after a humiliating 3-2 defeat to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. The squad learned of his sacking upon landing at Barajas Airport, with the decision reportedly finalized mid-flight from Jeddah[1].

Warning signs mounted early. Alonso, renowned for his elegant midfield mastery during his playing days—winning the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and La Liga with Madrid from 2009-2014—sought controlled possession[2][3]. But he clashed with Jude Bellingham, whom he repositioned as a disciplined midfielder rather than the chaotic, goal-scoring hero of Madrid's prior triumphs. "Jude, in my team, is a midfielder," Alonso insisted, prioritizing efficiency over flair, which stifled the team's dynamism[1].

The breaking point came in a late October 2025 Clásico. Substituting a fatigued Vinícius Júnior for Rodrygo sparked fury; Vinícius confronted Alonso, threatening to leave, and later apologized publicly—omitting his manager. Alonso's inaction sealed his fate amid a dismal run: just two wins in eight games, scoring and conceding 11 goals each[1].

The ex-Liverpool star, who netted in the 2005 Istanbul final and earned 114 Spain caps, held his hands up in a candid interview. "I take full responsibility. My ideas didn't align with the players' strengths. It was a nightmare, but I've learned from it," he reflected, hinting at a potential Premier League return[1]. Madrid now seeks a new savior post-Alonso's bruising six-month experiment.

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