Xabi Alonso gets support from Toni Kroos: German legend gives bold take on Spaniard’s criticized tenure at Real Madrid

Although Xabi Alonso impressed during his first months at Real Madridthe team has struggled lately with inconsistent results and a playing style that feels flat to fans. As a result, speculation about the coach’s future has intensified, raising the possibility of his departure in early 2026. Toni Kroos has stepped forward to support the Spaniard, clearly expressing his views on his criticized term in office.

“The hardest thing about being a coach is coaching (Real) Madrid. It’s not easy. Here you can win games and no one is satisfied– there are very few such clubs. If you draw or lose, the reactions are different. The club is used to that and the criticism comes very quickly. As a coach you have very little time to build anything. You can’t help but think about how your team will play in a year or two… I am convinced that Xabi is a very good coach,” Toni Kroos said via Romario TV.

With only six months in charge, Xabi Alonso is being judged as if he had been in charge for one or two full seasons. He has been criticized for not imposing a specific playing style. However, the absence of a controlling midfielder is completely clear, as the coach did not want to let Luka Modric leave, but his request was ignored. As a result, Real Madrid tends to struggle as it tries to dominate matches, and appears significantly weakened.

In addition to doubts about failing to establish a dominant playing style, the coach faces significant problems in the locker room, leaving several players dissatisfied. Yet Spanish media report this Xabi Alonso has managed to regain the support of the players and even revive a strong version of Rodrygo Goeswhich will probably have a much more prominent role Kylian Mbappé scored talent.

Although Kroos has asked for patience as Xabi Alonso settles at Real Madrid, the coach’s future could depend on the upcoming matches. If he doesn’t produce consistent results with back-to-back wins, the front office may decide to part ways with himending an era that once promised dominance. Therefore, the Spaniard must demonstrate his ability to turn around the team’s current situation.

see also

Cesc Fabregas breaks the silence about Xabi Alonso’s biggest problem at Real Madrid: ‘It has to be the hardest of all’

Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso will reportedly not get a squad boost before January 2026

Unlike his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso does not have a player at Real Madrid who can control the tempo in midfield. Far from the era of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Los Blancos’ current squad lacks a player with similar characteristics. Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler are world-class talents but fill different roles on the pitch, fueling speculation of a A midfield signing now seems unlikely.

According to Jorge C. Picon on X, formerly known as TwitterReal Madrid decided not to make any roster changes in January 2026, apart from Endrick’s departure. As a result, the expected arrival of Nicolas Paz may be postponed until July 2026when he is expected to take charge of orchestrating the midfield. In the meantime, Rodrygo Goes will take on the role of team organizer and become Xabi Alonso’s only option to maintain balance, Marca reports.