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Pressure Mounts on Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid Stumble and Barça Cut Lead to Three

Spanish reports say Florentino Pérez now questions Alonso's “modernity” after a goalless draw followed a Champions League defeat.

Overview

  • Real Madrid were held 0-0 at Rayo Vallecano days after a 0-1 loss at Liverpool, marking a second straight match without scoring as Alonso urged calm and self-critique.
  • Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2 behind a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick, trimming Madrid’s LaLiga advantage to three points after 12 rounds.
  • Sport reports that Pérez harbors doubts over Alonso’s tactical direction, citing the line “I don’t see modernity,” and notes Klopp was preferred before Alonso’s hiring.
  • The Athletic reports Alonso has tightened secrecy and control by moving the final training off-site, reducing dressing-room staff, and limiting access, with added gym work and personalized video sessions said to irk some players.
  • Media detail locker-room friction after Vinícius Júnior’s Clasico outburst and non-punishment, plus fitness worries highlighted by running four kilometers less than Liverpool and scrutiny on fitness coach Ismael Camenforte-López.