Ancelotti Defends Alonso Amidst Rising Madrid Scrutiny, Lauds "Spectacular" Start.

Amidst a growing chorus of criticism directed at Xabi Alonso’s management of Real Madrid, former Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has emerged to defend his successor, asserting that the team’s start to the 2025/2026 season has been nothing short of "spectacular." Ancelotti’s endorsement comes at a time when Alonso is facing increasing pressure following a minor dip in form after a previously dominant run.

Real Madrid, under Alonso’s guidance, has completed 16 matches across all competitions. Their record stands at 13 victories, two defeats, and a single draw. This impressive start saw them establish a comfortable lead in La Liga and position themselves favorably in their Champions League group. The team’s attacking prowess was particularly evident in a recent 4-0 demolition of Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu.

However, the euphoria surrounding that victory was short-lived. A subsequent 1-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League, followed by a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga away fixture, has led to questions being raised about Alonso’s tactical approach and the team’s overall performance. The inability to secure back-to-back victories after the Valencia game has amplified the scrutiny. The Rayo Vallecano match, in particular, drew criticism due to Madrid’s perceived lack of creativity and inability to break down a resilient defensive setup.

The spotlight has inevitably fallen on Alonso, with some observers questioning his team selection, strategic decisions, and ability to adapt to different opponents. The pressure is further intensified by the high expectations that come with managing a club of Real Madrid’s stature, where anything less than consistent success is often deemed unacceptable.

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Carlo Ancelotti, currently managing the Brazilian national team, brings a unique perspective to the debate, having managed Real Madrid across two separate spells. His intimate knowledge of the club’s inner workings and the inherent pressures of the role lends significant weight to his assessment of Alonso’s performance.

"Storms will always come, but the most important thing is how you handle them," Ancelotti stated, acknowledging the inevitable challenges that come with managing a high-profile club like Real Madrid. He further added, "A draw at Real Madrid is considered the beginning of a crisis. Madrid’s results so far have been spectacular. What more can you ask for?"

Ancelotti’s comments highlight the often-unrealistic expectations placed upon Real Madrid managers and the tendency for even minor setbacks to be amplified into full-blown crises by the media and the fanbase. His defense of Alonso is likely intended to provide a degree of support and reassurance to the young manager during a period of increased pressure.

Despite the recent blip in form, Real Madrid currently sits atop the La Liga standings with 31 points, holding a three-point advantage over arch-rivals Barcelona, who are in second place. This position reflects the strong foundation Alonso’s team has built over the first few months of the season. The team’s attacking trident, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe, has been particularly effective, contributing significantly to the team’s goal tally.

In the Champions League, Real Madrid occupies seventh position in the overall standings, having secured nine points from their group stage matches. This places them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, with their fate largely in their own hands. A victory in their next Champions League fixture would almost certainly guarantee their progression to the next round.

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid manager at the beginning of the 2025/2026 season was met with considerable excitement and anticipation. A former Real Madrid player himself, Alonso enjoyed a highly successful playing career, renowned for his tactical intelligence, passing range, and leadership qualities. His transition into management has been similarly impressive, with successful stints at Real Sociedad B and Bayer Leverkusen, where he gained a reputation for his innovative tactical approach and ability to develop young players.

His return to Real Madrid as manager was seen as a natural progression, and his early success at the club further fueled the optimism surrounding his tenure. However, the recent setbacks have served as a reminder of the challenges inherent in managing a club of Real Madrid’s magnitude.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a demanding schedule of fixtures across both La Liga and the Champions League. Their upcoming La Liga matches include challenging encounters against Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, while in the Champions League, they face a crucial fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, a match that could determine their seeding for the knockout stages.

These upcoming matches will provide a stern test of Alonso’s managerial abilities and his team’s resilience. The ability to navigate this challenging period successfully will be crucial in silencing the critics and reaffirming Alonso’s position as the right man to lead Real Madrid forward. The support of experienced figures like Carlo Ancelotti will undoubtedly be invaluable as Alonso seeks to steer the team back on track and maintain their pursuit of silverware on both domestic and European fronts.

The pressure on Alonso is further compounded by the looming presence of potential managerial candidates who are always linked with the Real Madrid job. The club’s history is littered with examples of managers who were dismissed after relatively short periods in charge, highlighting the ruthless nature of the modern game and the high expectations placed upon those who occupy the Real Madrid dugout.

Ultimately, Alonso’s success at Real Madrid will be judged on his ability to deliver trophies. While the team’s start to the season has been promising, the true measure of his tenure will be determined by his ability to consistently challenge for and win major honors. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the narrative surrounding his leadership and determining his long-term future at the club.

The backing of Ancelotti, a respected figure within the Real Madrid hierarchy and a proven winner, provides Alonso with a valuable shield against the rising tide of criticism. However, ultimately, it will be the team’s performances on the pitch that will dictate his fate. The challenge for Alonso is to ignore the noise, focus on his tactics, and inspire his players to rediscover the form that saw them dominate the early stages of the season. Only then can he silence the doubters and solidify his position as one of the leading managers in European football. The next few weeks will be a defining period in his Real Madrid career.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo

Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.

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