The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Real Madrid Have Collapsed - Can Alonso Fix Them?"

Episode Information:

• Title: Real Madrid Have Collapsed - Can Alonso Fix Them?
• Host/Author: The Athletic
• Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Ayo Akinwolere and Dermot Corrigan delve deep into the recent turmoil surrounding Real Madrid. With the team's unexpected decline in both La Liga and the Champions League, the discussion centers on whether former player and emerging coach Xabi Alonso can steer the club back to its former glory.

Real Madrid's Current Struggles

[01:47] Dermot Corrigan:
“Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico mistake there and Raphinha.”

The episode kicks off with Dermot Corrigan highlighting Real Madrid's disarray, particularly after a disappointing performance against Barcelona in the recent El Clasico. Real Madrid's defensive frailties and inconsistent performances have left fans and analysts questioning the team's direction.

[03:31] Dermot Corrigan:
“As a striker, he (Mbappe) seems to be doing his job right.”

Guillermo Ray provides an update on Kylian Mbappé’s impressive season, noting that Mbappé has broken the record for the most goals in a debut season for Real Madrid with 39 goals across all competitions. Despite Mbappé's stellar performance, Real Madrid's overall team structure remains problematic, affecting other key players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.

Barcelona’s Dominance and Real Madrid’s Inability to Compete

[05:56] Guillermo Ray:
“Barcelona healed their wounds in the best possible way with a classical win.”

Guillermo Ray offers a comprehensive analysis of Barcelona's exceptional form this season. Barcelona has secured all four El Clasico matchups against Real Madrid, scoring 16 goals in the process. This dominance has significantly impacted Real Madrid's chances of securing the La Liga title and advancing in the Champions League.

[07:47] Dermot Corrigan:
“Barcelona are here to stay. I love that, honestly.”

Dermot and Ayo discuss Barcelona's renaissance under coach Hansi Flick, praising their collective team spirit and tactical prowess. In contrast, Real Madrid's over-reliance on individual talent without a cohesive team structure has hampered their performance.

Impact of Carlo Ancelotti and the Need for Change

[10:37] Dermot Corrigan:
“Real Madrid have lots of stars, but their defensive issues are a major concern.”

The conversation shifts to Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti. Despite his diplomatic nature and experience, Ancelotti has struggled to manage the team’s defensive problems exacerbated by key player injuries and departures. The repeated El Clasico defeats have intensified scrutiny on his leadership.

[12:50] Ayo Akinwolere:
“Ancelotti hasn't been able to handle the defensive issues so far this season.”

Paul Belous discusses the broader implications of Ancelotti's tenure, emphasizing that while he has tried to stabilize the team, the persistent defensive lapses and inability to compete with Barcelona have led to questions about his future with the club.

Xabi Alonso: The Potential Savior

[14:38] Seb Stafford Bloor:
“Xabi Alonso has an incredibly important impact on the Bundesliga and is well-equipped for Real Madrid.”

Seb Stafford Bloor introduces the topic of Xabi Alonso’s impending appointment as Real Madrid’s new head coach. Alonso’s successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he ended Bayern Munich's 11-year Bundesliga dominance, positions him as a promising candidate to rejuvenate Real Madrid.

[19:55] Ayo Akinwolere:
“Alonso is a hugely intelligent guy and has been preparing for this ever since he was a player.”

Ayo elaborates on Alonso’s qualifications, highlighting his strategic mindset, multilingual capabilities, and extensive experience under renowned managers like José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. These attributes could make Alonso an effective leader capable of addressing Real Madrid’s multifaceted challenges.

[26:26] Dermot Corrigan:
“Alonso has a knack for making good players even better.”

The hosts discuss Alonso’s ability to enhance player performance without relying heavily on expensive transfers. His tactical acumen and leadership qualities are expected to foster a more cohesive and resilient Real Madrid squad.

Challenges Ahead for Alonso and Real Madrid

[31:16] Ayo Akinwolere:
“It's a huge job. It's a difficult job, but Seb was saying he's one of the best young coaches in world football.”

Despite Alonso’s promising profile, the podcast acknowledges the significant hurdles he will face, including integrating into a star-studded yet fragmented squad, addressing defensive vulnerabilities, and managing high-profile players with individual ambitions.

[35:27] Seb Stafford Bloor:
“Real Madrid have been planning the next season along with Xabi Alonso for some time now.”

Seb provides insights into the strategic planning underway at Real Madrid, suggesting that the club views Alonso as a long-term solution to their current woes. However, implementing his vision amidst existing pressures and expectations will be a critical test of his managerial prowess.

Leadership and Squad Rebuilding

[41:59] Paul Belous:
“Real Madrid are looking to invest in leadership and empower young talents.”

Paul Belous touches upon the leadership vacuum at Real Madrid, especially with veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos potentially moving on. Alonso's role will not only involve tactical improvements but also nurturing new leaders within the squad to maintain Real Madrid’s competitive edge.

[43:25] Dermot Corrigan:
“Does it help Xabi Alonso's cause that he's walking into a squad that needs rebuilding in many respects?”

The discussion further explores whether Alonso’s arrival could be a catalyst for necessary changes, promoting a culture of teamwork and collective responsibility over individual stardom.

Conclusions and Future Outlook

[45:48] Ayo Akinwolere:
“So many questions to think about. But we’re super excited to see how it’s going to go.”

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express a mixture of optimism and realism regarding Alonso’s potential impact. While Real Madrid faces numerous challenges, Alonso’s expertise and leadership are seen as pivotal elements that could steer the club back to its illustrious path.

[46:57] Dermot Corrigan:
“We all want to be Xabi Alonso.”

The final remarks underscore the high expectations placed on Alonso, positioning him as a transformative figure capable of redefining Real Madrid’s strategy and performance in the coming seasons.

Key Takeaways

• Real Madrid's Decline: Despite Mbappé’s outstanding goal-scoring form, Real Madrid's lack of cohesive team structure and defensive weaknesses have led to a series of disappointing performances, particularly against rivals Barcelona.

• Barcelona's Resurgence: Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona has reclaimed its status as Spain’s top team, dominating El Clasico and securing the La Liga title, showcasing effective teamwork and strategic brilliance.

• Carlos Ancelotti’s Tenure: Ancelotti has struggled to manage Real Madrid’s defensive issues and failed to prevent multiple defeats against Barcelona, raising questions about his future with the club.

• Xabi Alonso’s Potential Role: Alonso’s successful coaching stint at Bayer Leverkusen and his strategic mindset make him a promising candidate to lead Real Madrid. His ability to enhance player performance and foster team unity is highly anticipated.

• Challenges for Alonso: Integrating into a star-studded squad, addressing defensive flaws, and managing high-profile players are significant challenges Alonso will face. His success will depend on his ability to implement his vision amidst existing pressures.

• Leadership and Squad Rebuilding: Real Madrid needs to develop new leaders within the squad to replace veterans like Modric and Kroos. Alonso’s role will be crucial in nurturing young talents and promoting a culture of teamwork.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:56] Guillermo Ray: “Barcelona healed their wounds in the best possible way with a classical win.”
• [19:55] Ryan (Seb Stafford Bloor): “Alonso is a hugely intelligent guy and has been preparing for this ever since he was a player.”
• [31:16] Ayo Akinwolere: “It's a huge job. It's a difficult job, but Seb was saying he's one of the best young coaches in world football.”
• [41:59] Paul Belous: “Real Madrid are looking to invest in leadership and empower young talents.”
• [45:48] Ayo Akinwolere: “So many questions to think about. But we’re super excited to see how it’s going to go.”

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of Real Madrid's current struggles, Barcelona's dominance, and the potential transformative impact of Xabi Alonso's appointment as head coach. It underscores the complexities of managing a top-tier football club and the high expectations placed on emerging leaders like Alonso.