Carragher says Vinicius cost Xabi Alonso his job at Real Madrid

Dateline — 25 August 2026. Xabi Alonso began his spell as Chelsea manager with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, a match that also involved a new manager at the opposing club, Alvaro Arbeloa, and has reignited discussion about Alonso's turbulent exit from Real Madrid earlier this year.

Alvaro Arbeloa is the coach who succeeded Alonso at Real in January this year, a swap that has added a personal angle to the coaching careers of the two former teammates. Media reports at the time described a tense atmosphere in Madrid, with clashes involving Vinicius Junior and strained relations with other key players.

Carragher: players, not tactics

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told a blunt version of events, saying the reason for Alonso's dismissal lay with the squad rather than with the coach. "Xabi Alonso lost his job because of Vinicius Junior. He was unhappy with the situation. He went to complain to the owner and was told that he would not sign a new contract," Carragher said. "In the end, Real Madrid, as it always does, sided with the player, sacked the coach, and then brought in his friend, Alvaro Arbeloa."

While Carragher blamed player power for Alonso's downfall, former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville urged caution in judging Alonso's ability on that basis. "I don't think what Alonso did at Real Madrid is in any way a reflection of his ability. It is a reflection of those players," Neville said. He added that different managers — citing Luis Enrique's work with young players — have shown alternative approaches to shaping team effort.

Alonso has turned his attention fully to Chelsea and, after claiming three points on his debut at Stamford Bridge, faces the task of building consistency at his new club.

Photo: Real Madrid C.F.(X)