Xabi Alonso criticized three players, including Arda Güler, for their ineffective performance in the Real Madrid-PSG semifinal and demanded that President Pérez impose severe sanctions on them. However, the Real Madrid president’s response surprised everyone.

Following the dramatic events that followed Real Madrid’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals on July 10, 2025, manager Xabi Alonso publicly criticized three players, including acclaimed Turkish star Arda Güler, for their poor performances. Visibly frustrated after the match, the Spanish coach demanded that club president Florentino Pérez impose severe disciplinary sanctions on the three. However, Pérez’s reaction surprised fans, players, and analysts, sparking a heated debate about the club’s future.

The match against PSG at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was Real Madrid’s first step toward facing reality. Under Luis Enrique, PSG delivered a masterclass, capitalizing on defensive errors and overcoming a disorganized Real Madrid squad. Goals from Fabián Ruiz (who scored twice), Ousmane Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos sealed an embarrassing exit for the Spanish giants, who had harbored high hopes of winning the Club World Cup. The defeat exposed the glaring weaknesses of Alonso’s team, with the coach citing a lack of intensity, poor decision-making, and defensive weaknesses as the main reasons for the collapse.

Alonso, who took over as Real Madrid manager this summer, was blunt in his post-match analysis. Sources have pointed to Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, and Arda Güler as the main culprits for the team’s poor performance. Asensio, who has struggled to find his form, was criticized for a crucial error that led to PSG’s opening goal. Vinicius, usually a dynamic player, was described as someone who “walked the game” and failed to break down the defense, leaving the right flank vulnerable to PSG’s relentless attacks, particularly from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Despite his recent rise to a key role in Alonso’s system, Güler has been criticized for his inability to influence the game in his new midfield role, citing the manager’s lack of defensive anticipation and inability to connect plays effectively.

In a heated exchange with the club’s board, Alonso urged Pérez to take decisive action, suggesting heavy fines or even leaving some players on the bench to send a message to the team. The former midfielder, known for his tactical intelligence and composure, seemed to lose his usual composure and emphasized that such performances were unacceptable for a club like Real Madrid. “Today we were below our level,” Alonso declared in a press conference, admitting that his tactical adjustments had failed. The start of the match made the difference. PSG was at a level we couldn’t match, and some players didn’t live up to expectations.

However, attention quickly turned to Pérez’s reaction, which caused a stir among Real Madrid fans. Instead of supporting Alonso’s request for a penalty, the president reportedly rejected the idea outright, adopting a more measured stance. Sources close to the club indicate that Pérez, aware of the delicate balance and morale that must be maintained within the squad, emphasized the importance of learning from defeat rather than resorting to punitive measures. “This is a new era for Real Madrid,” Pérez told Alonso. “We are not destroying, we are building. These players are our future and we must support them to develop.” While some interpreted the decision to protect the players, especially young Güler, as a sign of confidence in the squad’s potential, others saw it as a refusal to address deeper issues within the team.

The lack of disciplinary action against players has generated mixed reactions. Some fans and commentators argue that Pérez’s stance reflects his long-term vision for a team in transition, especially regarding young talents like Güler, who shows great promise despite his struggles against PSG. At just 20 years old, Güler has been a game-changer under Alonso, excelling at center back and earning praise for his vision and creativity in previous matches. However, his defensive deficiencies and inexperience were exposed against a well-prepared PSG side, raising questions about his readiness for such high-stakes encounters. Mainstay Vinicius has also been criticized for his inconsistency this season, while Asensio’s continued struggles have fueled speculation about his future at the club.

Critics of Perez’s decision argue that leniency could undermine Alonso’s authority as he attempts to forge a new identity for Real Madrid. The former Bayer Leverkusen manager has been tasked with modernizing a team frequently accused of reticence and an over-reliance on individual brilliance under Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso’s emphasis on collective play and defensive discipline had yielded promising results in previous matches, with Guler and Jude Bellingham forming a dynamic midfield duo. But the defeat to PSG highlighted the gap that separates Real Madrid from Europe’s elite, and PSG’s cohesion under Enrique became an indicator of what Alonso hopes to achieve.

The fallout from the match has also intensified criticism of Alonso himself. While his decision to single out players has been praised for its honesty, some question whether publicly criticizing young stars like Guler could undermine his self-esteem. Others believe the demand for a penalty reflects a determination to instill a winning mentality, even if it means making difficult decisions. Meanwhile, Pérez’s refusal to support Alonso’s disciplinary action is a situation that some believe could lead to tensions between the coach and the board.

As Real Madrid prepares for the 2025-26 season, attention will be focused on how Alonso and Pérez deal with this setback. The president’s decision to protect the players demonstrates his confidence in their resilience, but he also puts pressure on Alonso to deliver results without the authority to enforce strict discipline. For Güler, Vinicius, and Asensio, the defeat to PSG is a painful lesson, but one that could determine their development in the club’s new era. With Alonso promising a “fresh start” next season, all eyes will be on whether this talented squad can overcome this challenge and reaffirm Real Madrid’s global dominance.