Florentino Pérez reveals regret over Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Florentino Pérez admits serious error in the management of Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso was a failed gamble that cost the club dearly

Real Madrid is in the midst of an internal crisis, and its president, Florentino Pérez, does not hide his frustration with a season coming to an end without major achievements. In an unprecedented internal analysis, the top leader of the Merengues takes responsibility for the choice of coaches and does not hold back criticism of the management of the team, particularly in the case of Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed in January, and Álvaro Arbeloa, who will also not continue in charge after the conclusion of La Liga.

According to information reported by the newspaper ABC, Florentino acknowledges that the appointment of Xabi Alonso, a former Spanish international and charismatic figure, was a personal mistake. The club’s bet on his coaching abilities lasted only ten months and did not meet the expectations of success. His dismissal was delayed, with the president admitting that he wished he had made the decision right after the 1-2 loss to Celta in December, but it was only in January, after another defeat against Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final (3-2), that the departure was finalized.

Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over as head coach following Xabi’s departure, also faced critical analysis from Pérez. Despite the special affection and recognition for the work done, the president regrets that the team has not improved significantly under his leadership. The numbers are clear: seven losses in 21 matches, a record of 33% losses, which is deemed unacceptable for a club of the stature of Real Madrid.

The early elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich was the final blow that practically condemned the season to end without significant titles, in a scenario that mirrors the failure of the previous season. The victories in the Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2024/25 went almost unnoticed, being regarded as trophies of lesser prestige and insufficient to satisfy the club’s ambitious goals.

Florentino Pérez, however, absolves the players of blame during this difficult phase. The president firmly believes that the squad has enough quality to achieve a performance far superior to what has been demonstrated so far. The great hope for reversing this situation lies in hiring a world-renowned coach capable of extracting the maximum potential from the team. Among the names being discussed behind the scenes at Valdebebas are prominent figures such as Jürgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Didier Deschamps, and José Mourinho. The final decision, however, will rest solely with Florentino, who intends to have complete control over the process, although he continues to consult his circle of trust, including José Ángel Sánchez and Anas Laghrari.

As for the squad, the president does not foresee a complete overhaul, but rather surgical reinforcements. The focus will be on the center of defense, right-back, and midfield. Important returns are planned, such as those of Nico Paz, Víctor Muñoz (re-purchased), and Endrick, who returns after a loan to Lyon. On the other hand, some players are expected to leave, either on loan – like Mastantuono – or through sales with a buyback option, such as Gonzalo. The club also aims to generate financial returns from the transfers of Asencio, Camavinga, Ceballos, and Fran García, but maintains a policy of not forcing the departure of contracted players, a scenario that has limited the market, given the desire of recent stars like Bale, Isco, Hazard, Mariano, and Vallejo to stay.

Florentino Pérez believes there is still time to correct the course of the season and that the World Cup could be decisive for some future decisions. Soon, the president may also surprise with a public intervention to provide a clear assessment of the season, although the format of this communication — whether a press conference, interview, or official statement — remains uncertain.

The season for Real Madrid has reached a critical crossroads, and the future of the club inevitably hinges on the careful management of the bench and Florentino Pérez’s ability to regain absolute control, rectifying past mistakes and preparing a more promising future for the Merengues. The departure of Xabi Alonso is already seen as a regret that came at a high cost, and the next season will be crucial to prove that the Spanish giant can still reign in Europe.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.