Story perspectives
Xabi Alonso's Exit: Real Madrid Needs a True Manager
1/21/2026
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Story summary
- Xabi Alonso departed Real Madrid eight months after his appointment.
- Gareth Bale said departure was unsurprising and criticized Alonso for focusing on coaching over managing players’ egos.
- Bale noted Vicente del Bosque, former Real Madrid manager, and Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager, excelled at man-management.
- Jamie Carragher echoed Bale, saying Alonso's methods clashed with Real Madrid's expectations.
- Both agree Real Madrid needs a manager, not just a coach, to thrive.
