A Lasting Legacy Ends Abruptly in Madrid

Real Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso, marking the end of an era for a man whose influence on the club extended far beyond his playing days. Alonso’s tenure as manager was supposed to be a smooth transition after Zinedine Zidane’s departure. Instead, the team struggled to find consistency, and the results reflected that. Despite having a talented squad, Alonso’s inability to adapt to the fast-paced modern game left many fans and pundits alike searching for answers. One area of concern was the lack of creativity in midfield. Alonso’s playing style, which relied heavily on possession football, didn’t seem to translate to the manager’s seat. The team’s attacks often became stale and predictable, with players showing frustration as their attempts to break through the opposing defense fell short. The transfer market also proved a contentious issue during Alonso’s tenure. The arrival of high-profile signings like Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic failed to live up to expectations, while other moves left many wondering why certain players were brought in without adequate backup options. Perhaps most telling, however, was Alonso’s inability to connect with the team on an emotional level. His relationships with key players like Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos seemed strained at times, leaving fans questioning whether he truly understood what it took to win with this squad. Despite his playing legacy and post-playing exploits as a coach in Liverpool and Manchester United, Alonso’s time in charge ultimately came to an end due to these very issues. As Real Madrid moves forward under new management, one can’t help but wonder if Alonso’s tenure was simply too short-lived to make the necessary adjustments that would have led to success. For now, it’s unclear what the future holds for Alonso, both at the club and on the pitch. One thing is certain, however: his departure leaves behind a trail of unanswered questions and an ailing Real Madrid squad searching for answers of its own.