In a surprising twist following Real Madrid’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debut against Al-Hilal, the team’s new coach, Xabi Alonso, has sparked a storm within the club by publicly singling out three players for their poor performances in the opening match. According to sources close to the club, Alonso, visibly frustrated after the 1-1 draw at Hard Rock Stadium, demanded that president Florentino Pérez take drastic measures and immediately dismiss Rodrygo Goes, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid. Pérez’s response was swift, and the president, known for his pragmatism, reportedly made an immediate decision, although the details remain shrouded in mystery.

The match against Al-Hilal, played on June 18, 2025, marked the beginning of the Xabi Alonso era at the helm of Real Madrid. Despite the expectations generated by his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won an unbeaten Bundesliga and the German Cup, the Tolosa-born coach’s debut fell short of expectations. Real Madrid, which fielded new signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, showed flashes of quality but lacked cohesion, especially in midfield and attack. Rodrygo, who is having an inconsistent season with just one goal in his last 15 matches, missed several clear chances. Tchouaméni, used as a defensive midfielder, lost key balls that endangered the defense. Camavinga, meanwhile, failed to impose his usual dynamism, looking disconnected in a tactical system that is still under construction.

Alonso, known for his demanding nature and his focus on high pressing and vertical play, did not hide his discontent in the post-match press conference. “We need total commitment. I cannot accept performances below what this club demands. I have spoken with the president, and he knows what I think,” he stated. According to El Confidencial, Alonso was direct in identifying Rodrygo, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga as the main culprits of the disappointing performance, requesting that Pérez remove all three from the team immediately. This request, unusually forceful, reflects the manager’s firm nature, as he seeks to establish his authority from the outset at a club where the pressure to win is relentless.

Florentino Pérez, who had endorsed Alonso to lead a new project following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, acted swiftly. Although no official details have been revealed, sources close to the club suggest that Pérez, aware of the importance of the Club World Cup and its €150 million prize money, partially backed Alonso’s position. However, rather than immediate dismissals, the president reportedly opted for a compromise: the three players will remain in the squad, but their role in the tournament could be reduced, with Alonso prioritizing others such as Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr. This decision reflects the balance Pérez seeks between supporting his new coach and maintaining the stability of a team still adapting to a change in style after years under Ancelotti.

The Club World Cup, being held in the United States, is a crucial test for Real Madrid, especially after a trophy-less 2024-25 season. Alonso, who arrived on a contract until 2028, has the difficult task of implementing his playing philosophy in record time, with a squad plagued by injuries and the integration of new players. The inclusion of youth players like Raúl Asencio and Gonzalo García in the tournament demonstrates their commitment to youth, but also exposes the squad’s shortcomings in depth. Furthermore, the arrivals of Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen have not been enough to compensate for the absences of Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, who are still recovering from injuries.

Alonso’s demand to part ways with three star players has sparked debate among fans. While some applaud his courage in making difficult decisions, others question whether publicly blaming Rodrygo, Tchouaméni, and Camavinga is the best way to motivate a squad under pressure. Rodrygo, in particular, has been the subject of speculation about a possible exit, with rumors linking him to Liverpool as part of a swap deal for another midfielder. Meanwhile, Tchouaméni and Camavinga, considered pillars of the club’s future, could benefit from a change of role under the 4-3-3 system that Alonso plans to consolidate.

As Real Madrid prepares for its next match against Pachuca, all eyes are on Alonso and Pérez. The coach, backed by a revamped coaching staff that includes Ismael Camenforte and Javier Arnáiz, is looking to put his stamp on a tournament that could define the direction of his project. Pérez’s decision, although not yet completely clear, demonstrates that the president is willing to support his new coach, but with the caution that characterizes his management. At a club where second place is a failure, the Club World Cup will be the first major test to determine whether the Alonso era is destined for success or controversy.