Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have been two of the gamers who’ve struggled essentially the most to adapt to new coach Xabi Alonso, with each seeing their roles at Actual Madrid decreased in the course of the 2025-26 season. Alongside the Brazilian duo, studies counsel a number of different stars within the squad are additionally pushing again in opposition to Alonso’s management.
One of many largest changes for Actual Madrid gamers has been adapting to Alonso’s stricter guidelines in contrast with former supervisor Carlo Ancelotti. Journalist Romain Molina revealed that throughout Ancelotti’s tenure, some gamers would fly to Ibiza after matches as an alternative of returning to Madrid, and others even skipped coaching, a coverage that ended beneath Alonso.
In Vinicius’ case, the Brazilian has misplaced his standing because the workforce’s marquee star, highlighted by his absence from the beginning XI of their most up-to-date match in opposition to Elche. In keeping with The Athletic, Vinicius has knowledgeable Actual Madrid that he doesn’t intend to resume his contract so long as his relationship with Alonso stays strained, a significant concern together with his present deal set to run out in lower than two years.
Rodrygo, in the meantime, is one other Brazilian standout upset together with his position beneath Alonso. Usually relegated to the bench in key matches, together with El Clásico and a number of Champions League fixtures, the previous Santos winger has logged simply 416 minutes throughout 14 video games (a mean of 29 minutes per match) producing solely two assists and no objectives, a stark distinction to his decisive performances in latest seasons.
Vinicius Junior of Actual Madrid warms up on the sidelines throughout Elche recreation.
Chatting with ESPN in the course of the November worldwide break, Rodrygo addressed his lack of minutes at Actual Madrid: “There’s not a lot I can do. I’ve to maintain working, keep dedicated, and attempt to earn the coach’s belief over there (Alonso), similar to I earned it right here (with Carlo Ancelotti). That belief can solely be earned in coaching — by persevering with to enhance, by exhibiting him my dedication, and perhaps then I’ll get extra alternatives.”
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Is Vinicius Jr set to depart Actual Madrid? The Brazilian star’s renewal talks have hit an sudden standstill
Different stars upset with Alonso’s administration
Stress escalated after Actual Madrid’s latest 2-2 draw in opposition to newly promoted Elche, the place Alonso opted to depart Vinicius and a number of other different stars on the bench. In the course of the match, a number of gamers appeared visibly annoyed with the workforce’s tactical method.
In keeping with Diario Sport, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are amongst these sad with Alonso’s strategies. Each entered the match within the 57th minute and have been caught jogging on a sequence that went viral throughout Álvaro Rodríguez’s purpose to place Elche forward 2-1, elevating questions on effort and angle.
One other participant reportedly becoming a member of the rising checklist of disgruntled stars is Aurélien Tchouaméni. Regardless of enjoying a key position for Alonso previous to his latest harm, the French midfielder has reportedly been annoyed by tactical modifications which have diminished his management on the pitch. Actual Madrid could also be main La Liga and sitting comfortably within the Champions League race, however the outcomes have performed little to chill the rising pressure surrounding the squad and their new coach.
