Xabi Alonso ‘Rift’ With Real Madrid Stars Revealed After Dressing Room Leak

There is reportedly a rift between Xabi Alonso and some Real Madrid stars despite their positive start to the 25/26 season.

Prior to the 25/26 campaign, former Spain star Alonso was confirmed as Madrid's new boss, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

The former Los Blancos midfielder was the chosen one after his impressive spell with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

So far, Alonso has enjoyed a decent start to life in the Spanish capital, as Madrid sit five points clear of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.

In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid have won their opening three matches and are only behind the likes of Arsenal, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain on goal difference.

However, there were a couple of defeats that caught the eye, especially the 4-0 thrashing by PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup and last month's 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Over the weekend, there was a dramatic moment between Alonso and Madrid star Vinicius Jr, after the Brazilian was taken off during the 2-1 win over Barcelona.

Vinicius Jr was seen gesturing and muttering before heading straight down the tunnel.

Now, as per The Athletic, tensions between Alonso and some of the Madrid stars have been growing.

The report claimed that a number of first-team players are not too happy with the changes brought in by the new boss.

Since taking over from Ancelotti, it has been suggested that Alonso 'found a dressing room accustomed to things that he did not believe were best for a football team'.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. Image: Getty

During one of his first conversations with the team, Alonso reportedly stated that players would 'have to run harder and work harder' and that 'no one would be guaranteed' a spot in the starting XI.

In addition, Alonso reiterated the importance of punctuality, intensity and dedication within the camp.

However, The Athletic claimed that the changes 'have not been welcomed by everyone'.

Sources told the publication that there is a feeling of 'frustration', with several senior figures 'feeling disrespected and dissatisfied'.

A source said: "Some of them have won so much without doing these things that when these have been imposed on them, they have complained.

"It’s no secret, some cases have been public. It’s normal, especially with those who were untouchable."

One individual close to a Madrid player said: "He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi."

SPORTbible has contacted Real Madrid for comment.