Zidane’s Player-First Approach Sheds Light on Alonso’s Real Madrid Struggles

Club legend Zinedine Zidane has explained what it takes to thrive as a Real Madrid coach, offering clues to the struggles faced by Xabi Alonso.

Instead of complaining about player power, Zidane advised harnessing it, calling it key to managerial success.

Zidane Explains the Mechanisms of His Historic Real Madrid

Real Madrid brought Zinedine Zidane on as an emergency managerial recruit in January 2016, immediately after sacking Rafael Benitez.

Zidane had never managed a first-division side, but he felt at home right from the beginning. In three seasons, he took Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League trophies and one LaLiga title.

During his tenure, Madrid had a harmonious dressing room, with every player pulling in the same direction.

On Hamidou Msaidie’s YouTube channel, Zidane explained how he managed to make history with Los Blancos.

“We arrived at a critical point,” said Zidane (via AS)

️ pic.twitter.com/vnE5wcFPol

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 16, 2026

“The team wasn’t in good physical condition, and we simply had to instil in them the idea that they needed to work as a team.

“I met with the four captains and told them what I expected from them, and would see if they were committed. When they agreed to work, that was it; joy arrived.”

Alonso’s dismissal and the Copa del Rey exit have sparked debate about player power at Real Madrid. Zidane bluntly stated that at Real Madrid, the power always rested with the players.

“At Real Madrid, we were at the players’ disposal. For me, that’s what makes a team strong; you’re there for the players. If you haven’t understood that, you can’t last in this profession. 

“For the dressing room to accept what you want to implement, they have to like you. If the players don’t agree with everything they’re given—the training, all of that—something will always be missing.”

Zidane’s Player-First Approach Shows Why Alonso Was Not Successful

Xabi Alonso had a bright start to life at Real Madrid. He took the club to the Club World Cup semi-final before overseeing 13 wins in his first 14 matches of the 2025/26 season.

However, reports soon emerged of disharmony inside the dressing room. Alonso reportedly focused more on the system than the players. He frequently interrupts play in training to fix mistakes. He also held lengthy video analysis sessions to assess opponents and work on shortcomings.

According to several reports, players became overwhelmed with the manager’s information-heavy approach.

Internal conflicts followed, and players started to turn against the manager, with Vinicius Jr. supposedly leading the charge. He publicly expressed dissatisfaction when Alonso took him off in October’s El Clasico.

JUST IN: Real Madrid are OPTIMISTIC Vinicius Jr will RENEW.

The exit of Xabi Alonso makes the talks easier. @carrusel pic.twitter.com/N2hag9KW4f

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 16, 2026

The club reportedly did not punish Vinicius Jr. after the clash, leading to suggestions that Real Madrid isolated Alonso by not taking action.

Performances dwindled, and Madrid sacked Alonso after Sunday’s defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final.

Most news outlets have blamed the players for Madrid’s misfortunes. While they must share responsibility, Zidane’s comments suggest Alonso’s approach may have been flawed.

For one reason or another, he could not get the most influential players in his corner, which heavily contributed to his early dismissal.