Real Madrid News
Atmosphere inside Real Madrid dressing room sees significant improvement after Alonso’s exit
A fresh report from The Athletic has shed light on a noticeable change at Real Madrid, with sources close to the dressing room confirming that the atmosphere has improved significantly in recent weeks.
The report suggests that the mood around the first team is far healthier than it was towards the end of Xabi Alonso’s time in charge.
While results were one issue, it is known that tensions inside the squad had also begun to grow, affecting daily life at the club’s training ground.
Players were increasingly described as treating football like a routine job rather than something to be enjoyed.
Something has changed under Arbeloa
Since Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in, that feeling appears to have changed. Sources close to the squad believe the new coaching setup has brought a calmer, more positive environment, something that is now being reflected on the pitch.
Training sessions are said to be more engaging, and the players are responding with renewed energy and commitment.
Although Alonso’s relationship with the dressing room was not cited as the sole reason for the struggles, several sources believe it played a role.
In the days leading up to the recent match against Villarreal, sources of Alonso’s former staff spoke to The Athletic and admitted they expected a reaction from the players.
The belief was that after being blamed for the team’s poor form, the squad would respond once the pressure shifted.
For the good
That expectation was shared by figures close to several first-team players, and the performance at Villarreal appeared to support that view.
As such, Madrid showed greater intensity, pressed higher up the pitch, and looked more determined to win the ball back in dangerous areas.
After the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was asked about the changes. Offering a measured response, he said,
“I don’t think it’s changed that much. Every coach has his own way of training, but maybe something is clicking better now.”
Right now, there is a genuine belief that Real Madrid can make strong progress before the end of the season.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
