Tag: Real Madrid

Liverpool Make Initial Contact With Xabi Alonso as Contingency Plan Amid Slot Pressure

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

A report says Liverpool have made a first approach to Alonso as they consider future managerial options, with Slot still in charge but under scrutiny during an inconsistent title defence. The claim is that Liverpool sounded out Alonso’s interest, with the coach currently available after leaving Real Madrid. Despite a short spell in Madrid, his reputation remains strong from his Leverkusen success, and the report suggests Liverpool view him as a near-future option, possibly for 2026-27.

Arbeloa Says Vinicius Contract Talks Are Club Business, Leans on Academy for Depth

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.

Gareth Bale Says Alonso Failed at Real Madrid Because He Was a Coach Not a Manager

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

Bale blamed Alonso’s Madrid failure on not managing egos and pressure at the Bernabeu, despite strong tactical ability and early results. Bale argued Real Madrid requires a manager who can handle personalities and scrutiny, not only a tactician, implying that mismatch helped unravel Alonso’s tenure after the Super Cup loss and subsequent fallout.

Vinicius Pleads for Bernabeu Backing After Monaco Rout and Booing Hurt

Vinicius Junior
January 2026

Vinicius said recent whistles at the Bernabeu have affected him and asked supporters to back the team, while stressing he wants focus on his football, not off-field drama or coaching changes. He said he felt uncomfortable because mistakes were met with boos, accepted fans’ right to demand more, denied influencing Alonso’s exit, and called for unity after recent setbacks. He also played down contract noise and said he remains calm with just over a year left on his deal.

Luis Enrique Defends Brahim Diaz After Panenka Miss in AFCON Final

Luis Enrique
January 2026

Luis Enrique defended Diaz after his late Panenka penalty was saved, a moment that became a focal point of criticism following Morocco’s defeat to Senegal. He argued football outcomes should not define a player’s character, cited the pressure created by the long delay and protests before the kick, and noted many elite players have taken Panenkas in major matches, with judgment changing only based on whether it goes in.

Klopp Rules Out Real Madrid Return, Commits to Red Bull Role

Jurgen Klopp
January 2026

Klopp dismissed links to the Real Madrid vacancy, saying Alonso’s exit did not trigger any desire to coach again and he is settled in his global advisory role. Klopp described the role as advisory with decision power, focused on listening, stabilising situations, and supporting club leaders across the Red Bull network; Leipzig staff cited his influence in recruitment, including helping persuade Bakayoko to join.

Arbeloa Blames Anti-Perez Chants on Fans “Who Don’t Love Madrid”

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa criticised supporters who chanted “Florentino resign” during his first home league win, arguing the protest came from people who do not truly support the club. After replacing Xabi Alonso and starting with a Copa del Rey upset loss to Albacete, Arbeloa steadied things with a Levante win via second-half goals from Mbappe and Asencio, but the match was dominated by sustained anti-Perez chants from early on.

Mourinho Rejects Real Madrid Return Amid Arbeloa Chaos

Jose Mourinho
January 2026

Mourinho dismissed speculation linking him to a second Real Madrid stint, as Madrid’s week spiralled from Alonso’s departure to a Copa del Rey shock exit and a tense Bernabeu atmosphere despite a league win. After the Super Cup final loss to Barcelona, Alonso left and Arbeloa took over, then suffered a cup elimination and heard boos in the subsequent league match; Mourinho responded by distancing himself from the drama and rejecting “soap opera” narratives.

Real Madrid Beat Levante 2-0 as Arbeloa Gets First League Win

Real Madrid
January 2026

Madrid won 2-0 after a flat first half, with Mbappe scoring a second-half penalty and Asencio adding a headed goal from a corner to secure the points. Arbeloa changed the flow by introducing Arda Guler for more midfield invention, increasing tempo and chance creation. Mbappe won and converted a penalty, then Madrid capitalised on a set piece, managing the game despite a few Levante counters.

Bellingham Rejects Claims He Did Not Back Alonso

Jude Bellingham
January 2026

Bellingham angrily denied reports suggesting he did not support Alonso during his Real Madrid tenure. He posted directly to rebut “sources” and media narratives amid wider claims of dressing-room issues, including reported Alonso disputes with Mbappe and Florentino Perez.

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