Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid is coming under increasing scrutiny. And, missing out on signing Martin Zubimendi is now being singled out as a defining moment in his struggles at the Bernabeu.
Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti this summer. He started his tenure well. Real Madrid were at the top of the La Liga some time back.
However, a string of poor results and the friction inside the squad has derailed the momentum. And now, they are behind Barcelona in the league table.
Now, the pressure has intensified following defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League, a result that left Madrid clinging to seventh place in the new league-format table.
Boos at full-time underlined growing unrest, even as Jude Bellingham insisted the squad remain behind their head coach.
According to Spanish football expert Phil Kitromilides, Alonso’s biggest issue lies in midfield balance.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he argued that Madrid lack control, creativity and structure in deep areas, something that has become increasingly evident during recent setbacks.
Kitromilides singled out Martin Zubimendi as the one player Alonso knew intimately and wanted him last summer.
Alonso believed Zubimendi would have solved many of Madrid’s problems. The club, however, decided against the move, insisting the squad already had sufficient midfield options.
The Spain international joined Arsenal for £55 million this summer. He had previously worked under Alonso at Real Sociedad’s B team.
Kitromilides revealed that Alonso pushed for the signing but was overruled, a decision he feels has backfired.
Zubimendi has since become central to Arsenal’s midfield. At Madrid, Kitromilides believes his absence has left a glaring tactical hole.
With league matches against Alaves and a tricky Copa del Rey tie looming, Kitromilides warned Alonso’s margin for error is now minimal.
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