Xabi Alonso was brutally sacked by Real Madrid earlier this month despite only taking over in the summer, and Gareth Bale has now announced his verdict on his departure.
Gareth Bale has given his thoughts on Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
Gareth Bale has claimed that Xabi Alonso failed at Real Madrid because he was unable to “manage his ego” at the club. The Spanish manager was sacked earlier this month after just six months in charge.
He was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement in the summer after impressing with former team Bayer Leverkusen. However, Alonso was unable to coax any form out of his players from the Bernabéu.
Real fell behind rivals Barcelona in the league, while defeat to the Catalan giants in the Spanish Super Cup appeared to be the final straw for the club’s leaders. Alonso’s time at the Bernabéu was marked by less-than-friendly relationships with many players. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo are among those who disagree with him.
And Bale shared his verdict on why Alonso ultimately failed at Los Blancos, suggesting that the main reason was his inability to cope with a demanding dressing room.
read more: Champions League, changes in standings before the final, 30 teams whose fate is unknownread more: Confused Paphos manager asks about David and Brooklyn Beckham saga after Chelsea defeat
“He’s a great coach, he won what he won at Bayer Leverkusen, he won trophies and he coached the team incredibly well,” the Welshman told TNT Sport. “But when you get to Real Madrid, you don’t have to be a coach. You have to be a manager. You have to manage your ego in the dressing room. He doesn’t have to be a coach.”
“You have to indulge your ego. You don’t have to do so much tactical stuff. We have superstars in the dressing room who can change a game in the blink of an eye. So, certainly, you can see that he’s a great manager and tactician, but obviously that didn’t work at Real Madrid.”
Alonso released a statement after leaving Real Madrid, admitting that life at the club was far from perfect. “This professional stage is over, but it didn’t go the way we had hoped. It is both an honor and a responsibility to coach Real Madrid,” he wrote on social media.
Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid earlier this month (Image: Getty Images)
Was Real Madrid right to sack Alonso? Share your thoughts in the comments section below
“I would like to thank the club, the players and above all the fans and the fans of Madrid for their trust and support. I leave here with respect, gratitude and the pride of having given my best.”
Real Madrid moved quickly to appoint Alonso’s replacement at the Bernabéu, promoting Alvaro Arbeloa. The former defender had a nightmare start, losing 3-2 to second-tier Albacete in the Spanish Cup.
They then defeated Levante 2-0 in the league opener in Arbeloa, followed by a 6-1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
