During a recent press conference, Xabi Alonso addressed concerns about his future as Real Madrid’s head coach. Following the team’s 2-0 victory over Sevilla in LaLiga, Alonso expressed a light-hearted message to journalists, wishing them happy holidays while reinforcing his commitment to stay at the club despite recent struggles.
Xabi Alonso’s Turbulent Start at Real Madrid
Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid has been marked by highs and lows since he took charge in August 2025. Initially, the team impressed, achieving 13 wins in their first 14 matches. However, the season’s challenges quickly emerged when Madrid suffered a challenging 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in September. Following this, the club faced a series of setbacks, including a UEFA Champions League loss to Liverpool and several draws in LaLiga.
Coaching History Comparison
The scrutiny on Alonso’s performance reflects the club’s historical impatience with coaches. Over the past 15 years, several predecessors have faced similar challenges, marked by varying degrees of success based on their first 25 matches. Below is a summary of notable coaches and their early records:
| Coach | Years | Wins | Win Percentage | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Mourinho | 2010 | 20 | 80% | 67 | 10 |
| Carlo Ancelotti | 2013 | 19 | 76% | 71 | 26 |
| Rafa Benítez | 2015 | 16 | 64% | 72 | 25 |
| Zinedine Zidane | 2016 | 19 | 76% | 58 | 28 |
| Xabi Alonso | 2025 | 18 | 72% | 52 | 25 |
While Alonso’s start may be comparable to that of Benítez, the challenge remains whether his tenure will continue or face an abrupt end. The club’s leadership is known for making swift decisions when expectations aren’t met, evidenced by the quick departures of coaches like Julen Lopetegui and Rafa Benítez due to unsatisfactory results.
The Road Ahead for Alonso
Alonso’s current win percentage stands at 72%, which aligns with that of Santi Solari but falls behind his predecessors such as Mourinho and Ancelotti. Fans and club officials are concerned, especially given the team’s recent form, which shows significant regression after an impressive start.
Despite these challenges, Alonso points to injury issues that depleted his squad. He urges patience as he seeks to restore the team’s momentum. Yet, as the pressure mounts from both fans and the club’s management, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty for Alonso as he works to define his legacy at Real Madrid.
