Florentino Pérez Gives Xabi Alonso Full Backing to Lead Real Madrid Through Turbulent Moment

Real Madrid moved to silence speculation and publicly reaffirm Xabi Alonso’s authority. The manager acknowledged in a press conference that he spoke directly with Florentino Pérez — a rare admission for him — delivered with a clear purpose: to make it known that the club president fully supports his work during this crucial stretch of the season.

The board felt it was necessary to draw a firm line after weeks of uncertainty. Xabi Alonso is the figure of leadership, and the dressing room must match his demands in attitude, focus, and commitment in order to restore the standards expected at Real Madrid. The club’s intention is to stabilize the atmosphere around the team and eliminate doubt. They wanted Xabi himself to confirm the backing so there would be no misinterpretations — making it clear to the players that there is no debate about who leads. The statement confirms that the coach has full authority to make tough decisions whenever he deems necessary.

The hope internally is that this message eliminates any disconnect between the manager and the squad. Real Madrid wants a team fully locked in on competition, intensity, and performance. The board believes it has done its part by publicly supporting Xabi — now it’s on the players to show that they can uphold the emotional and sporting demands of the badge. The expectation is to see the team return to competing with the level of edge and identity aligned with Real Madrid’s history.

A year ago, Carlo Ancelotti attempted to steady a similar situation but wasn’t able to fully bridge the gap. Now the responsibility falls to Xabi Alonso, who faces the challenge of reconnecting the locker room with its most competitive version. Florentino’s decision also aims to strengthen internal unity at a moment when the team needs it most. The hope is that this week marks the beginning of a shift in mentality — now that the backing of the coach is undeniably clear.