The start of the season at Real Madrid has revealed an unexpected rift in the locker room. Xabi Alonso, newly arrived on the white bench with the label of coach of the future, is already facing his first crisis.
It's not a minor one. MB has learned that the Brazilian sector of the team, which has targeted him, has turned its back on him and tension has skyrocketed within the group.
The coach, who was welcomed with excitement and respect by the locker room, has made decisions that key players haven't liked at all. The situation worries the board, which is aware of the specific influence the Brazilians have.
Vinícius, first clash with Xabi Alonso
The first name on the list of the discontented is Vinícius Jr. The forward, a media leader and figure of Madridism, doesn't understand Alonso's decision to send him to the bench in Oviedo. It was a substitution that was interpreted as a warning, but the player didn't take it well.
Vinícius feels singled out and perceives that the coach's trust isn't complete, something that has sparked tension in the locker room. The Brazilian believes he deserves different treatment, and that distance with the coach is already a topic of conversation in Valdebebas.
He also thinks that his ostracism is due to the club's instructions to control the timing of his contract renewal. Also to the desire for the team's image to rest exclusively on Mbappé.
Rodrygo, used and substituted
Rodrygo's case doesn't help calm things down either. The forward started in Oviedo, but Alonso decided to substitute him during the match, precisely for Vinícius. This decision angered the player, who ended up showing clear signs of displeasure on the bench.
Rodrygo's own circle understands that he played in Oviedo because the coach wanted "to put him in the shop window" to listen to offers in the future. This detail further fuels his discontent.
The relationship isn't at its best and the forward is already hinting at it with gestures that haven't gone unnoticed by the fans.
Militao and Endrick, different but delicate cases
Éder Militao is also on the list. The center-back, who needs minutes to regain form ahead of the World Cup, doesn't have Alonso's trust either.
The coach prefers to take things slowly, but the Brazilian believes he's ready to have a bigger role. The lack of opportunities is starting to wear him down, which doesn't benefit anyone.
In Endrick's case, the problem is different. The young player barely has any chances to play.
Alonso sees him as too inexperienced to compete at the highest level. He feels that his progress is being stalled at a crucial moment in his career.
Alonso's standoff with a very powerful sector
Xabi Alonso's biggest challenge isn't just tactical, but also about managing egos. The Brazilian bloc has always had a very important influence at Real Madrid and standing up to it can have consequences. Vinícius, Rodrygo, Militao, and Endrick are footballers who shape the club's present and future.
If Alonso can't redirect the situation, peace in the white locker room could be at risk sooner than desired.