Alonso’s dismissal as Real Madrid coach has left fans divided and uncertain.
In Madrid on Tuesday, it was hard to find a supporter wholly positive about the changes.
Fan Mario Gonzalez acknowledged that while “the team was not performing at the level expected” and boos reflected understandable frustration, he questioned whether the decision was rash: “A hasty decision? Perhaps. Is it the best thing for Real Madrid? We will see in the coming months.”
Juan Antonio Lillo pointed out Alonso’s struggle to implement his ideas, saying that “he has tried to change too many things at once, and that usually clashes with the complacency of some players”, while noting the club’s historic impatience: “Real Madrid does not understand waiting.”
The reporting tone in the Madrid media around Alonso’s tenure and dismissal has been a mix of critical, cautious, and somewhat sympathetic, reflecting both frustration with results and recognition of his status as a club legend.
One report said the dressing room was split, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham among those who did not believe in Alonso.
Bellingham publicly shut down these reports on social media on Tuesday, calling the authors clowns and using an expletive to describe what he thought of them.
“Damaging misinformation”, Bellingham called it.
In a recent press conference, Bellingham encouraged supporters to not believe everything they read, emphasising that Alonso had his full support.
But these type of reports had left their mark on some of the fans we spoke to.
Alfredo criticised the club and argued Alonso “gave in to these spoiled players and did not know how to impose his ideas”.
Ignacio called the timing premature and is wary of Arbeloa, saying: “I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think he’s ready and he’s taking over at a very bad time for a rookie. If Xabi wasn’t able to impose himself on this dressing room, I doubt that Arbeloa, with less experience as a coach and less of a legacy as a player, will be able to.”