Xabi Alonso's recent departure from Real Madrid as head coach marks a significant turning point in his managerial career. Initially seen as a prime candidate for top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, his journey with Real Madrid concluded much sooner than anticipated. This development has sparked discussions about the suitability of his coaching philosophy for different club environments and the contrasting fortunes of other managerial appointments, such as Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.
When Bayern Munich appointed Vincent Kompany, many viewed it as a backup plan, given that Xabi Alonso was widely considered their primary target. Alonso, fresh off a remarkable season with Bayer Leverkusen, eventually moved to Real Madrid. However, his stint at the Spanish giant was short-lived, culminating in a "mutual agreement" to part ways, which many perceive as a dismissal. The official statement from Real Madrid thanked Alonso for his contributions and wished him well, a common practice in such situations.
Alonso's time at Real Madrid reportedly suffered from a combination of subpar team performances and internal strife. Accounts suggest friction between Alonso and key players, including Vinicius Jr., forcing the coach to make compromises to maintain squad harmony. The definitive blow appeared to be the team's loss to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, which seemingly sealed his fate and highlighted the deep-seated issues within the club under his leadership.
This situation inevitably leads to several critical questions regarding Alonso's career trajectory. Did he make a premature move from Leverkusen? While he stayed an additional year after a record-breaking title season, transitioning directly from a successful, yet smaller, club like Bayer Leverkusen to a powerhouse like Real Madrid might have been too ambitious. The demands and internal dynamics of managing a club of Real Madrid's stature, especially in terms of dressing room culture, proved to be a formidable challenge for Alonso, despite his history as a former player there.
Furthermore, many ponder whether Bayern Munich would have been a more suitable destination for Alonso. His preferred tactical approach, characterized by high intensity and 'gegenpressing', aligns well with the German football philosophy. Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, had cultivated a more fluid and relaxed style of play. Alonso's attempt to impose his high-energy system on a squad accustomed to a different methodology reportedly caused player discontent and negatively impacted results. In contrast, at Bayern, he would likely have found a squad more amenable to his tactical vision and remained within a league he knew intimately, where the Bundesliga's inherent openness and intensity might have better suited his style.
The contrasting success of Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich further emphasizes this point. Kompany's leadership has seen Bayern excel this season, suffering only one loss and two draws across all competitions. They are currently leading the Bundesliga, performing strongly in the Champions League, and have progressed in the DFB Pokal. The positive impact Kompany has had on Bayern has largely satisfied the club's fanbase, raising the hypothetical question of whether Alonso's presence would have yielded similar results. As it stands, Kompany's tenure at Bayern is widely regarded as a significant success.
Looking ahead, Bayern Munich will likely continue its successful campaign under Kompany. For Real Madrid, the managerial merry-go-round might bring back familiar faces, with Zinedine Zidane often a rumored returnee. As for Xabi Alonso, his next move will be crucial in defining his coaching legacy. He may opt for a sabbatical, or a return to the Bundesliga could be on the cards. There's also speculation about a potential return to Liverpool, should a vacancy arise. His career is now at a crossroads, where the choice of his next club will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping his future as a top-tier manager.