Why did Real Madrid actually sack Xabi Alonso?

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: https://theathletic.com/tifofootball 📗 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available internationally: https://linktr.ee/tifobook When Xabi Alonso was hired as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement in May 2025, he arrived with the Real Madrid hierarchy’s blessing to impose more discipline and develop a distinct style of play. Yet for many outside observers, the club’s decision to sack him in January 2026 was a bit confusing. This is the inside story of Xabi Alonso’s sacking, not “mutual agreement”. Explained by Kaya Kaynak, with contributions from The Athletic’s writers Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai. Illustrated by Henry Cooke. Follow Tifo Football by The Athletic: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TifoFootball_ Facebook: http://facebook.com/TifoFootball Instagram: http://instagram.com/TifoFootball_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tifofootball_ Listen to the Tifo Football podcast: The Athletic UK: http://bit.ly/TifoPodChannel Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TifoFootPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06QIGhqK31Qw1UvfHzRIDA Watch more Tifo: Tifo Football Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@tifo-podcast Tifo Sports by The Athletic: https://www.youtube.com/@TifoSports About Tifo Football by The Athletic: Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple. We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more. Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight. Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to tifo@theathletic.com. Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com Music provided by APM Music #Football #RealMadrid #LaLiga