Real Madrid were handed a harsh reality check in their 4-0 loss to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal.
The result didn’t just sting — it also exposed cracks that had been forming under the surface. With the dust now settling, the club is standing firmly behind Xabi Alonso, believing he’s the man to fix a growing issue inside the squad: lack of unity and a serious ego problem in the team, as per MARCA.
The message from the top is loud and clear. Real Madrid want their players to play as a team, not just as stars.
After years of individual brilliance bailing them out, the time has come for more collective work — especially from the club’s biggest names.
Xabi Alonso may be new to the hot seat, but he’s already noticed the problem. Some players are simply not pulling their weight when it comes to defending and helping the team off the ball.
Against PSG, it looked like half the squad forgot their job wasn’t just to attack.
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Vinicius and Mbappe under spotlight
Two names in particular are drawing attention — Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. Both are attacking stars. Both are also now under pressure to show more grit when not in possession.
Vinicius had a night to forget in New Jersey. He lacked urgency, didn’t track back, and seemed off his usual rhythm.
Mbappe, meanwhile, looked unfit and uninterested in helping defensively. For a duo expected to lead the attack, their body language spoke louder than their boots.
Club leaders now plan to sit down with key players to ask the tough questions. What do they want? Are they still committed? The answers could shape Madrid’s summer window.
As Xabi Alonso puts it, “We want to build a team that plays as a unit.” That may sound simple, but right now, it’s Madrid’s biggest puzzle.
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