After a bright start to the season under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have hit an unexpected bump in form. The club, which recently celebrated a thrilling El Clásico victory over Barcelona, now finds itself two games without a win — following a defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
Despite the dip, sources from Spanish outlet AS report that Real Madrid’s hierarchy remains fully confident in Alonso and his long-term project. Club president Florentino Pérez and sporting director José Ángel Sánchez are said to be calm, seeing the recent struggles as part of a natural adjustment period rather than a crisis.
The leadership believes that Alonso’s football philosophy — one based on pressing intensity, ball progression, and fluid attacking play — will require patience to be fully absorbed by the squad. There’s no panic in Valdebebas, only a measured sense of caution as the team works to rediscover their rhythm.
From El Clásico Euphoria to Tactical Uncertainty
Real Madrid’s sudden loss of form has surprised even the club’s inner circle. Only a fortnight ago, the team was riding high after a commanding win over Barcelona — a result that reinforced their title credentials and earned widespread praise for Alonso’s tactical acumen.
However, since then, the spark seems to have dimmed. The performance levels against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano left fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong. Against Liverpool, Madrid’s defense was exposed repeatedly, while in the Rayo Vallecano game, the attack lacked imagination and cutting edge.
This stark contrast in performance has prompted internal reflection. Many within the club believe the issue isn’t a loss of talent or motivation but rather a temporary disconnect between Alonso’s tactical instructions and the players’ execution on the field. The feeling is that some players still struggle to interpret Alonso’s in-game demands, especially when the team faces high-pressure situations.
Club Officials Call for Calm and Reflection
At the Santiago Bernabéu, officials are choosing calm over crisis. Real Madrid remain La Liga leaders, and the broader picture still looks positive. However, behind the scenes, there’s a growing desire for introspection. The board and Alonso’s technical staff are expected to use the upcoming two-week break before the Elche match to reassess the team’s structure and performance.
This pause comes at an ideal time for both players and coaches. Alonso’s staff are reportedly conducting video analysis sessions to identify breakdowns in pressing and ball movement. Meanwhile, players have been encouraged to rest, recharge, and return mentally focused for the challenges ahead.
The consensus in Madrid is that the recent slump should not overshadow the team’s achievements this season. The leadership understands that form fluctuates in a long campaign, and Alonso’s tactical project is still in development. Nevertheless, there is an implicit expectation that Real Madrid must return from this break with renewed energy and precision.
Dressing Room Dynamics and Tactical Adaptation
Much of the current concern centers on how well the squad has adapted to Alonso’s system. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss is known for his positional discipline and high-pressing style, which demands physical intensity and tactical awareness from every player. While the results early in the season were encouraging, the past few matches suggest that not everyone has fully assimilated these principles.
Sources indicate that some senior players are still adjusting to Alonso’s more structured approach, especially those accustomed to the freer, counter-attacking style under previous managers. This learning curve is believed to have contributed to recent lapses in concentration and inconsistency in transitions.
Even so, the dressing room atmosphere remains positive. Alonso’s communication and leadership have earned respect among players, and morale is reportedly stable. Team leaders such as Luka Modrić, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham are said to be working closely with the manager to reinforce tactical understanding across the squad.
Performance Concerns: Focus More Than Form
While Real Madrid’s recent performances have drawn criticism, insiders emphasize that the club’s concern is less about results and more about focus and game management. The team’s inability to maintain control in key phases has led to misplaced passes, defensive gaps, and a lack of composure in front of goal.
Against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid dominated possession but struggled to break through a compact defense. The same issues surfaced against Liverpool, where the team’s defensive shape collapsed under pressure. Alonso’s post-match comments suggested frustration at how quickly his side lost concentration — a problem the staff intend to address before the next fixture.
Despite this, the team’s underlying statistics remain strong. Real Madrid still boast one of the best defensive records in La Liga and lead the table, albeit narrowly. For Alonso, the immediate challenge is not to overhaul the system but to sharpen its execution and ensure that every player understands their role in maintaining tempo and balance.
Looking Ahead: Elche Clash a Test of Response
With two weeks until the next league match against Elche, Real Madrid have a vital window to reset. This period will allow Alonso and his coaching team to correct tactical lapses, re-energize key players, and reestablish momentum ahead of a busy winter schedule that includes both La Liga and Champions League fixtures.
Fans and club executives alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds. A strong performance against Elche could restore confidence and quiet critics, reaffirming that the project under Alonso remains on track. Conversely, another lackluster display may reignite questions about consistency and adaptation.
Still, there’s no doubt that Real Madrid’s belief in Xabi Alonso’s long-term vision remains unwavering. The Spaniard has already demonstrated tactical intelligence and a deep understanding of the club’s values. For now, patience is the strategy — and the expectation is that the team will emerge stronger from this brief period of turbulence.
