The 2025 Club World Cup semi-final, played on July 10 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, will be remembered as a turning point for Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid. The Whites suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a match that exposed the Merengues’ tactical and defensive shortcomings. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s words resonated loudly after the match, when he stated that he had warned Alonso about a key PSG player, likely Ousmane Dembélé, but that his former pupil “turned a deaf ear.” This critical comment has sparked a flurry of reactions across the football world, as Real Madrid faces a period of introspection under a manager who, while promising, still appears to be adapting.

Xabi Alonso took over as Real Madrid coach on June 1, 2025, after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won an unbeaten Bundesliga title, a Cup, and a German Super Cup. His arrival at Valdebebas was enthusiastically received, supported by his record as a Real Madrid player and his playing philosophy inspired by coaches such as Guardiola, Mourinho, and Ancelotti. However, the Club World Cup, his first major challenge, has highlighted the challenges he faces. PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, demonstrated overwhelming superiority, with goals from Fabián Ruiz (twice), Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos, in a match where defensive errors by Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger were decisive. The lack of cohesion in their pressing and the inability to counter Dembélé’s speed left Madrid without answers, sparking criticism of Alonso’s tactical decisions.

Guardiola, who coached Alonso at Bayern Munich, was quick to point out his former player’s shortcomings. “Xabi is a rookie coach after what he did today against PSG. I warned him about this player in particular, but he turned a deaf ear. Well, now you can see the result,” he declared in a post-match press conference, as reported by Marca . Although he did not explicitly mention Dembélé, analysts agree that he was referring to the French winger, whose speed and mischief unraveled Real Madrid’s defense, especially on the second goal, where he capitalized on a mistake by Rüdiger. Guardiola’s words, known for their surgical precision, not only question Alonso’s tactical preparation but also reflect the rivalry between two of the most influential managers in modern football, who could face each other in the final if Manchester City overcome their own path.

The defeat has put the spotlight on Alonso’s struggles to manage a squad packed with stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, who, according to Goal , have been singled out for poor defensive performances. Alonso, aware of these issues, plans decisive talks with both to address their lack of effort off the ball, an aspect that PSG have masterfully exploited. Furthermore, the absence of key players such as Dean Huijsen and the slow adaptation of reinforcements like Trent Alexander-Arnold have complicated the team’s transition following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who left a legacy of 15 titles in six years. The contrast with Ancelotti’s era, marked by stability, has raised questions about whether Alonso, despite his meteoric rise, is ready for a club with the demands of Real Madrid.

The Real Madrid fans, although disappointed, remain hopeful about Alonso’s project. His philosophy, based on possession, pressing after losing a goal, and tactical flexibility, showed glimpses in previous matches of the tournament, such as the 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal. However, a lack of experience and the need to strengthen the defense, especially at left back following Ferland Mendy’s injury, are urgent priorities. Meanwhile, PSG is moving toward the final, consolidating itself as a collective team that has overcome Mbappé’s departure with solid and effective play. The lesson for Alonso is clear: Real Madrid does not forgive mistakes, and the path to success will require quick adjustments and bold decisions. Guardiola’s words, although harsh, could serve as a catalyst for Alonso to demonstrate that his time at Madrid is just beginning and that he still has much to offer.