Morientes Speaks Up: Madrid Must Shield Alonso as Pressure Mounts
26 November 2025
Context and Backing
Fernando Morientes, a former Real Madrid forward, defends Xabi Alonso against mounting criticism and urges the club to shield its coach.
Alonso has faced sharp scrutiny in recent weeks as Madrid’s results have slipped, most notably a 2-2 La Liga draw with Elche.
Spanish newspapers also report tensions between Alonso and key stars Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde within the Real Madrid camp.
Protection and Public Support
Morientes told Mundo Deportivo that Madrid should publicly defend the coach in press conferences, mirroring the backing shown by club icons in the past. He argues the coach needs protection and cannot endure 25 press conferences in a single month.
He adds that Alonso is a calm figure who dislikes clashes and believes the club should come out and affirm that he is the coach and that the project is his.
Upcoming and Internal Dynamics
Real Madrid are set to face Olympiakos in Athens on matchday five of the Champions League group stage, with Alonso steering the team.
In a surprising development, Alonso reportedly told AS that Florentino Pérez fully backs him, signaling stability from the top.
AS notes Madrid’s leadership aimed to end speculation publicly, making clear to players that Alonso now runs the show and bears responsibility for discipline and results.
AS also recalls that Carlo Ancelotti attempted to shift the balance last year, but Alonso is now tasked with enforcing discipline and delivering the required results.
Vinícius Jr and Rotation
The report adds a thread about Vinícius Júnior’s relationship with Alonso: after the infamous incident in the Clasico when he reacted to being substituted, Vinícius apologized to teammates but not to the coach, fueling rumors of a rift.
Sources close to Vinícius say the issue is real, though Alonso maintains there is no personal feud and that rotation within the squad is essential for the team.
Vinícius reportedly told Pérez that extending his contract may not be ideal given the tensions with the coach; the Brazilian has since held meetings with the club president, but relations remain unsettled.
Alonso has publicly stated that he aims to restore normalcy, focusing on players’ conduct and the team’s performance on the pitch.
Madrid’s next steps revolve around healing the locker room and returning to winning form, with Alonso at the helm and driving the process forward.
Patience is a tactic, and if Madrid’s football can’t show it, the club might need a bigger clipboard. If defending a coach became a sport, Alonso would already have a full trophy cabinet.
Patience may be a tactic, but Madrid’s reflexes must be sharper than their passes—let’s hope the man in charge is ready for the challenge.
