Karim Benzema Identifies Real Madrid’s Core Problem Under Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has offered a blunt assessment of Los Blancos’ struggles under Xabi Alonso. 

The Frenchman believes Alonso has limited control over what is happening, as Madrid’s poor form has less to do with tactics and more with the clash of egos.

The Alonso era got off to a fiery start, as Real Madrid won their first seven games in all competitions before suffering a historic 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The Whites recovered from the setback by recording six consecutive wins and opening up a five-point lead at the top of the Laliga table.

Xabi Alonso: We’re in this together, each with our own roles, but communication is fluid. Constant trust, respect and ambition to want to improve. pic.twitter.com/4yZoVqA5Fr

— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) December 16, 2025

However, momentum stalled once more, as Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. And unlike last time, they have not been able to bounce back.

Madrid have only won three of their last nine matches (D 3, L 3), dropping to second place in LaLiga and the penultimate automatic qualification spot for the Champions League Round of 16.

According to reports, Alonso is living one game at a time, with the run-up to the Supercopa de Espana seen as a defining period. Amid uncertainty over his future, Alonso has been linked with a Premier League move.

Benzema Examines the Reasons Behind Real Madrid’s Struggles

In an interview with L’Equipe, former Galactico Karim Benzema discussed the issues currently plaguing Real Madrid. He defended Xabi Alonso and called on the players to communicate better.

“Xabi Alonso can’t really do anything; he has incredible names, so he must put those names on the pitch,” said Benzema.

“It’s difficult. Each guy has his ego. Those stars need to tell themselves that each of them has things they can bring to the team, and more than anything, they need to communicate.”

Benzema advised the players to accept the hard truths and start working as a unit.

️ Xabi Alonso to Vinicius: “You are great, you are great.” pic.twitter.com/qHeubeMXJW

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 16, 2025

He added:

“The problem is when you don’t accept that there’s a guy in front of you who scores more goals than you. Those problems happen when you have a lot of stars together.”

“If your teammate is better than you, you have to accept it. Because that teammate still needs the others, he can’t do it all himself.”

While Benzema has suggested there is a disconnect inside the team, Alonso insists the squad is united. In recent matches, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, who were reportedly unhappy with the coach, have also publicly shown their support.

It will be interesting to see whether this newfound unity translates into results during the upcoming decisive period.