Unexpected behavior ignites tension inside Real Madrid… Xabi Alonso sends the team star home and excludes him from training after arriving late!

Real Madrid’s preseason preparations have taken a surprising twist following an incident that could mark the beginning of a tense chapter under newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso. As the team gears up for the 2025/26 campaign, early signs of Alonso’s strict disciplinary methods have already stirred controversy within the dressing room.

According to sources close to the club, Alonso has taken a firm stance on professionalism and discipline since arriving at Valdebebas. While the squad was expected to focus purely on footballing matters, one early slip-up by a senior player has generated buzz across Spain—and may hint at a possible exit in the coming weeks.

The player at the heart of the controversy is Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos. He reportedly arrived ten minutes late to the first official training session under Alonso’s reign, and the reaction from the coach was immediate and uncompromising. Ceballos was promptly sent to the gym instead of joining the rest of the squad on the training ground—a move seen by many as a direct warning.

Although Ceballos was allowed to return later and participate in group exercises, Alonso’s message was unmistakable. Insiders described it as a “technical punishment” signaling the coach’s serious approach to discipline and player standards. The situation has sparked intense speculation about Ceballos’ future at the Bernabéu.

Just a few months ago, Ceballos had enjoyed a modest resurgence under Carlo Ancelotti, particularly during the latter half of last season. However, his role diminished again during the Club World Cup, where he made only a brief cameo. With Alonso now in charge, it appears the midfielder’s fortunes have taken another downward turn.

What makes the matter more complex is Real Madrid’s current need for depth in midfield. Toni Kroos has retired, Luka Modrić’s minutes are expected to be carefully managed, and Jude Bellingham is returning from a long season full of physical demand. Despite this, Alonso seems unconvinced that Ceballos is the right man to step up.

Xabi Alonso, known for his tactical discipline and high standards during his coaching stint at Bayer Leverkusen, reportedly told Ceballos that he must return to “peak physical condition” if he wishes to be considered for the squad. Anything less, the coach warned, could lead to the player being sidelined—or even sold before the summer window shuts.

The situation has added urgency to Ceballos’ camp. Sources say the 28-year-old midfielder is now evaluating his options, as it becomes increasingly unlikely that he will have a significant role under Alonso. Unless he can quickly convince the manager of his value, a transfer—either on loan or permanent—may be the only viable path forward.

Meanwhile, club president Florentino Pérez is said to be closely monitoring the situation. Although he has always supported discipline and order within the squad, Pérez is also keen to avoid losing players without financial return. The president is reportedly open to Ceballos’ departure, but only if the right offer arrives from within Spain or abroad.

Ceballos has already received preliminary interest from several La Liga clubs, as well as mid-table teams in Serie A and Ligue 1. However, no formal bids have been submitted yet. The player is understood to prefer staying in Spain if he leaves Real Madrid, hoping to stay in contention for Spain’s national team selection.

For now, Ceballos remains part of the squad, but this latest incident could become a turning point in his Real Madrid career. The message from Xabi Alonso is crystal clear: standards will be enforced, reputations won’t shield players from consequences, and every individual must fight to earn their place on merit.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Ceballos can stage another comeback—or if his time in white is quietly drawing to an end under a new regime that tolerates no lapses.