Tag: Spanish Super Cup

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.

Mbappe Breaks Silence After Alonso Exit, Clash Claims Surface

Kylian Mbappe
January 2026

Mbappe publicly thanked Alonso and wished him well after an eight-month spell ended; reports claim Mbappe argued with Alonso over tactics and Mbappe ignored a post-match guard-of-honour instruction. Pressure built from inconsistent results and the 3-2 Super Cup defeat; Alonso left by “mutual agreement” and Arbeloa took over as caretaker, with fallout rumours pointing to dressing-room and boardroom friction.

Alonso Sacked at Real Madrid as Mendieta Questions Fit

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

Real Madrid ended Alonso’s tenure by “mutual agreement” and installed Arbeloa as interim; Mendieta said Alonso’s high-press approach was never going to work at Madrid. Mendieta argued Madrid historically do not sustain compact, high-press defending across matches, so Alonso’s Leverkusen-style system failed to translate and the team “broke” during games.

Vinicius Jr and Diego Simeone Clash During Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final

Vinicius Jr
January 2026

Vinicius and Simeone exchanged words on the touchline when the Real forward was substituted during Madrid’s Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico in Saudi Arabia. TV audio captured Simeone taunting Vinicius about Florentino Perez. Simeone later downplayed it, saying what happens on the pitch stays there while stressing respect for Madrid players.

Real Madrid Leave Mbappe Out of Spanish Super Cup Squad Under “Zero Risk” Knee Policy

Kylian Mbappe
January 2026

Real Madrid ruled Kylian Mbappe out of the entire Spanish Super Cup due to a left-knee sprain, opting not to take him to Saudi Arabia, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the travelling squad. Madrid’s medical staff and hierarchy chose a conservative plan after Mbappe played through the issue in recent weeks, deciding he will only return when fully fit and not for a short-term final.

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