Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is experiencing growing tensions with several first-team players who are unhappy with his management style and feel he is more distant than predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, The Athletic reported. Multiple sources close to the squad indicated senior figures feel disrespected and dissatisfied with how Alonso has imposed changes since his June appointment.

The most visible conflict involves Vinicius, who publicly showed disappointment after being substituted in last weekend's Clasico against Barcelona. The Brazilian forward then excluded Alonso from a social media apology, though he did apologize to teammates at the training ground with the coach present.

The Athletic reported that multiple long-serving players are unhappy with their treatment under Alonso and upset about how they fit into his tactical plans. However, some players of similar stature remain satisfied with the current direction.

Alonso's approach contrasts sharply with Ancelotti's man-management style. The Italian built strong relationships with stars like Vinicius over seven years, guiding the forward's development and designing tactical systems to maximize his strengths. That approach delivered Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024.

Madrid has historically favored coaches who excel at man-management over tactical ideologues. All eight of the club's Champions League trophies this century came under Vicente del Bosque, Zinedine Zidane, and Ancelotti.

"For Zidane, the relationship between the great players was important; above all, that an atmosphere of communion between all of them would generate the competitiveness that every coach seeks," former Madrid player Jorge Valdano told The Athletic. "Method was always placed below the talent of the players."

Details-focused coaches have struggled at the Bernabeu. Rafael Benitez lasted only until Christmas 2015 after micromanaging players. Jose Mourinho departed in 2013 after falling out with dressing room leaders including Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas.

Alonso's strong start provides protection for now. Madrid sits five points clear atop La Liga and holds a perfect Champions League record through three matches.