Real Madrid dressing atmosphere declining – labelled ‘madhouse’

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso will be desperate for his side to pull out results  in their upcoming run of games, which includes headline clashes with Juventus, Barcelona and Liverpool, with a game against Valencia sandwiched between them. However a recent report has raised concerns about the dressing room atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It is posited that Los Blancos failed to react against Atletico Madrid during the Madrid derby, and The Athletic say that one of the worries at the Bernabeu is over the lack of leadership in the team currently. Recent years have seen veterans such as Lucas Vazquez, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart, who were often the ones to take the lead in situations of adversity.

Real Madrid dressing room is a ‘madhouse’ says player

One of the question marks for Alonso to answer over his tenure is how he will handle a side full of stars and egos. The Athletic continue on to say that in May a player commented before the Basque manager arrived “Let’s see if Xabi dares to enter this madhouse.” Previously the importance of Modric and Vazquez was highlighted as crucial to ensuring standards remained high, and there was debate over allowing both to leave.

“If they both leave this is going to be very difficult. It’s not a technical issue, but rather one of atmosphere. If Carvajal is left alone, he’ll explode within a month,” another source told The Athletic. The dressing room at the end of last season is also described at having picked up a lot of ‘bad habits’.

New generation expected to step into void

Newer arrivals such as Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham are expected to step into that void left by the likes of Modric and Kroos. Kylian Mbappe has become more a ‘go-to’ on the pitch for leadership, but off it does not cut a commanding character. The hope is that victories in these crucial fixtures can help forge a strong bond between the group.

Tensions high at Real Madrid last season

Alonso’s predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, was always praised for his handling of egos and maintenance of the atmosphere at the club. Yet last season that aspect appeared to get away from him after three successful years. That was seen through indiscipline on the pitch, and reports of tension as early as this time last year. By the time Real Madrid’s hopes of silverware were collapsing, Bellingham also publicly called out his teammates for their lack of attitude on the pitch.