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Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid carrying one of the strongest reputations in European football.

His work at Bayer Leverkusen had marked him out as one of the most exciting young coaches in the game, and his return to the Santiago Bernabeu seemed like the natural next step in his managerial journey.

However, things did not unfold that way.

Alonso’s spell in charge of Real Madrid came to an end much earlier than many had expected, raising questions over why a coach who had enjoyed so much success in Germany was unable to produce the same impact at the club where he had once been such an important player.

Now, Rafa Benitez has shared his opinion on what made the Real Madrid role especially difficult for the former Spain international.

Speaking ahead of the Fulham vs Chelsea match, Benitez, who managed Alonso during his successful period at Liverpool, pointed to the atmosphere surrounding the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso in January 2026.

Benitez is well placed to comment on Alonso’s situation.

The two worked together during Alonso’s Liverpool days, when Benitez helped steer the midfielder through some of the most successful years of his playing career.

That relationship gives the experienced coach a close understanding of Alonso’s character and his footballing ideas.

What is more, Benitez also understands the demands of Real Madrid from first-hand experience.

A graduate of the club’s youth system, he later worked with Castilla before taking charge of the senior side during the 2015/16 season.

His own tenure was brief, lasting only 18 matches, and it gave him direct experience of how quickly matters can become complicated at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With long experience across Spain and England, along with major success at Liverpool, Benitez’s reading of Alonso’s Real Madrid exit carries significant weight.

Benitez was asked about Alonso during an appearance on the BBC, and he began by explaining why the former Real Madrid midfielder had earned the opportunity.

“He did very well at Bayer Leverkusen and that’s why he went to Real Madrid. He was similar to me.”

The Spanish coach then set out what he believes defines Alonso’s style as a manager.

“He likes to work hard, organise things, and talk to the players about what they want to do.

“But there’s a lot of politics at Real Madrid, and perhaps that’s why it was more complicated,” he concluded.