Real Madrid Eyes Zinedine Return as Xabi Alonso Reels Amid Dressing-Room Rift

Real Madrid are entering one of their trademark crises – a moment of instability that threatens to derail what once looked like a promising campaign under Xabi Alonso. Reports are now swirling that the club could turn to Zinedine Zidane as a temporary solution if Alonso’s position crumbles. The speculation comes at a time when cracks in the dressing room and increasingly bland performances on the field are raising serious questions.

Why Zidane Is Being Considered Again

Real Madrid seems to be keeping Zidane’s name alive as a fallback option precisely because of his history and gravitas. His previous stints as manager resulted in three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, and he remains deeply respected within the club’s structure. In the event of a managerial change, he offers a guarantee of authority, continuity, and a stabilising presence.

For a club like Real Madrid, an interim solution isn’t just about getting someone in the dugout; it’s about installing a leader who already understands the pressure cooker of the Bernabeu. How can he rally the dressing room, and quickly steady a ship that feels like it’s listening?

The Dressing Room Has Started to Fray

Despite sitting at or near the top of La Liga, Real Madrid’s internal dynamics are far from harmonious. According to recent reports, the relationship between Alonso and several senior players has become tense. 

Traditional leaders like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde reportedly feel alienated under his methods. Alonso’s insistence on greater discipline, with stricter rules around punctuality, training intensity, and video analysis, isn’t landing well with everyone. 

Some in the squad feel he is too rigid, that he’s imposing a culture change without giving the established stars enough freedom. On top of that, Alonso himself has acknowledged that “not everyone is the same” and that he has to manage different personalities differently. That admission, however, does little to silence critics who argue that his approach lacks the emotional intelligence and flexibility required to manage a star-studded locker room.

From Promising Start to Questionable Football

When Alonso arrived, many were excited by his boldness, his tactical vision, and the promise of a more disciplined, modern Real Madrid. But lately, the picture has begun to shift. The performances on the pitch have grown stagnant, uninspired, and at times flat-out disappointing.

The recent 2–2 draw against Elche is perhaps the clearest symptom of the malaise. Despite being favorites, Madrid’s performance lacked spark, and their second concession exposed defensive frailties and a lack of coherence. 

Legendary goalkeeper Santiago Canizares didn’t mince words after the match, calling out Madrid’s “lack of form,” their tactical confusion, and the risk of Alonso’s rotational experiments backfiring. 

Alonso admitted as much himself, saying that the “game is betterable” and that the team needs to find continuity. The tactical setup against Elche raised eyebrows, too. Alonso’s choice to bench Vinícius was agreed upon in advance, but the move didn’t pay off in terms of fluency or attacking menace.  

He also acknowledged that after equalizing, the side lacked the momentum to really impose itself, and conceding the second goal felt like a step backward. This dip in form is not just about a draw — it’s part of a worrying pattern. The club hierarchy, according to reports, is growing increasingly uneasy with Alonso’s methods and results. Since the Elche game, the mood around the squad is tense, and some insiders say the situation is becoming “unsustainable.” 

Why Zidane Could Be the Safety Valve — and What It Would Mean

In this climate, Zidane’s name becomes far more than nostalgia — he becomes a practical fallback. If Alonso were to be removed or forced out, a Zidane return would send a message: Real Madrid values stability, clarity, and a trusted hand in moments of volatility.

From a tactical standpoint, Zidane wouldn’t likely tear up Alonso’s foundation; instead, he’d pragmatically shore it up. He has the leadership and authority to manage big personalities and bring a reset in mentality. His presence alone could calm down a dressing room that feels fractured and reaffirm Real Madrid’s identity.

The board, particularly Florentino Pérez, has always prized a manager who can both win and maintain order. In times of crisis, a familiar veteran like Zidane gives them breathing space to find a longer-term solution without risking a freefall.

Final Thoughts 

What started as a promising project under Alonso now risks unraveling. The lacklustre performance against Elche, combined with growing unease in the dressing room, has opened the door for Zidane to re-emerge — not as a fairy-tale comeback, but as a safety valve. For Real Madrid, calling on Zizou again might not just be sentiment — it might be survival.