“It’s the first day Xabi Alonso felt the true weight of managing Real Madrid.”
That was the damning verdict from Spanish journalist Manu Carreño, host of El Larguero, after Real Madrid’s shocking 4–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. In the aftermath of a performance that left fans stunned and pundits questioning tactical decisions, Carreño didn’t hold back in analyzing where things went wrong — starting with the man on the sidelines.
“The First Day Xabi Felt the Locker Room’s Weight”
Real Madrid’s exit was more than just a poor result. For Carreño, it was a defining moment in Xabi Alonso’s early tenure as head coach.
“I think today is the first day Xabi Alonso could feel what Real Madrid’s locker room is like when it comes to deciding the line-up,” Carreño said.
His main criticism: the decision to field all three attacking stars — Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Gonzalo — in one starting XI, a move he believes disrupted the entire structure of the team.
“I don’t know if the idea of starting the three up front today is truly the footballing idea Xabi Alonso believes in,” Carreño added.
Tactical Missteps: Vinícius on the Right, Gonzalo Out of Position
One of the most debated aspects of the match was Alonso’s tactical reshuffle. Due to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injuries, the lineup was already under pressure. But it was Alonso’s decision to shift Vinícius Jr. to the right flank and play Gonzalo out of position that drew the most criticism.
“Vinícius is already struggling on the left. On the right, it’s as if he didn’t exist,” Carreño emphasized.
He continued by pointing out how this change not only weakened Vinícius but also nullified Gonzalo’s momentum — a player who had been one of Madrid’s standout performers during the tournament.
Locker Room Politics or Pure Strategy?
Carreño went deeper, suggesting that Alonso’s selection may have been influenced not just by tactics, but by locker room dynamics.
“Do I bench Mbappé? Do I bench Vinícius? Or do I bench Gonzalo, who’s been outstanding? If you bench him after scoring four goals, what message are you sending to the rest?”
This is the reality of managing Real Madrid — a club where egos, expectations, and media scrutiny are relentless.
Defensive Errors and the Bigger Picture
Beyond the lineup, defensive errors added to Madrid’s misery. Carreño pointed to two major mistakes — one from Asensio and another involving Rüdiger — but defended the latter:
“Rüdiger was hit on his supporting foot. Anyone can make a mistake.”
The bigger concern? That these cracks exposed how far Madrid still is from dominating Europe again.
What Comes Next: Transfers and Restructuring
The team is expected to return to Madrid shortly, and with them comes a wave of decisions. Xabi Alonso is already planning changes — not just in tactics but also in personnel.
“This World Cup is the beginning of Xabi Alonso,” Carreño concluded. “Although he’ll want to draw a line between this and what’s to come.”
Madrid’s summer window is wide open. Players like Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy could be moved, while the midfield and defense may see new faces. For Alonso, this defeat could become the turning point — the loss that forced the clarity he now claims to have.