Mauri: “Xabi Alonso Is Living the Same Problems We Had”

Speaking to Diario AS, Francesco Mauri, former assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, offered perspective on Xabi Alonso’s current situation and pushed back against the idea that the coach has lost the dressing room.

“I have a lot of affection for him. We had him as a player at Madrid and Bayern and he helped us a lot. He’s one of those players who makes your job easier,” Mauri said. He compared Alonso’s current struggles to Madrid’s own transition last season. “He’s living the same problems we had last season. It’s a moment of transition and he’s trying to find balance between the attacking and defensive phases. His job is to solve the puzzle by fitting all the pieces together to be effective in attack and defense, and that isn’t simple.”

Mauri was clear that the issue is not Alonso’s relationship with the squad. “Xabi’s situation isn’t ideal, but I don’t think it has anything to do with his relationship with the players.”

Asked whether Alonso is in a weak position, Mauri pointed to Madrid’s own tactical adjustments in 2023–24. “It isn’t easy to coach Madrid and change concepts. We started with the diamond and the idea of pressing high, but after losing 3–1 at the Metropolitano, we understood we had to change. It’s intelligent not to be stubborn with an idea if it isn’t working.” He added, “His situation isn’t ideal, but it’s about finding the system that makes you win, because if you win everything else becomes easier. Xabi Alonso is right now the best possible coach for Madrid.”

On reported tensions with players, Mauri dismissed the narrative. “That always happens, but it’s nonsense to say players try to get a coach sacked. It’s an exaggeration. Everything is tied to results. If you don’t win, it looks like you don’t know football and don’t belong here. Madrid is like that.”