The Modrić Move That Sparked a Real Madrid Shake-Up
13 January 2026
Modrić Departure Sparks Locker Room Tension
A slew of press reports are detailing the reasons behind Xabi Alonso's dismissal as Real Madrid coach after a brief spell in charge.
Spanish daily Sport suggested that Luka Modrić's departure before the season began lit the fuse in the dressing room.
Fabrizio Romano, speaking on DAZN, noted that concern grew among players over Alonso's decision not to try to keep Modrić for another season.
Although the club's management initiated the move, Modrić bid farewell at the Bernabéu, yet he continued to play with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, and the squad felt he could have stayed another year.
Thus, a rift had already formed between players and coach in the summer; Romano cited Modrić wanting to continue 'on a different contract, for an extra season'.
At that time, Alonso and Madrid moved toward a younger squad. That didn't sit well with some dressing-room players, and Alonso's start with the team was far from encouraging.
Modrić left the Santiago Bernabéu in an elegant, well-known fashion for Italian Milan, even though teammates felt he still had plenty to offer and could contribute valuable minutes.
After Madrid's run at the Club World Cup and a tough semi-final exit to Paris Saint‑Germain, the team took a short break and started the new season well, albeit without the sense they could win the title, even with Alonso under a three-year contract.
As weeks passed, clashes with other players like Bellingham, Valverde, and Vinícius grew, leading Florentino Pérez to dismiss him, coinciding with a loss in the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona.
If you thought the saga was over, think again.
Punchline: When in doubt, blame the press.
Punchline: Madrid's drama is the real transfer market—it's always moving.
