Xabi Alonso asks Real Madrid to get rid of Ancelotti’s favorite player

Xabi Alonso has officially taken charge of Real Madrid, marking the beginning of a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish tactician replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who bid farewell to the club after a disappointing campaign and has now taken on a fresh challenge as the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

Alonso’s arrival has already generated excitement among Madridistas. Known for his intelligence on the pitch during his playing days and his promising managerial rise at Bayer Leverkusen, the 43-year-old is eager to reshape Real Madrid in his own image. Reports suggest that he requested to step into the role earlier than planned, hoping to get a first-hand assessment of the squad before the start of the new season.

The former midfield maestro is keen on reinforcing the team in key areas that he believes were neglected under Ancelotti. His vision is clear: Real Madrid must not only compete but also dominate across all competitions. For this, he has already overseen significant moves in the transfer market, with the club announcing the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and young defender Dean Huysen from Bournemouth.

But Alonso is not stopping there. The left-back position, a problematic area for Los Blancos in recent years, has been identified as a weak link in the squad. To address this, Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Álvaro Carreras from Portuguese giants Benfica. The young Spaniard has impressed in Liga Portugal and is seen as a long-term solution to Madrid’s defensive imbalance.

However, strengthening one area often comes at the expense of another. According to sources close to the club, Alonso has made a bold and controversial request: he has asked the board to part ways with Ferland Mendy, a player who was widely regarded as one of Ancelotti’s favorites.

The 29-year-old Frenchman has endured a difficult spell in Madrid, plagued by frequent injuries that disrupted his rhythm. Despite inconsistent form and recurring fitness problems, Ancelotti stood firmly by Mendy, refusing to sanction his departure on multiple occasions. To Ancelotti, Mendy was a reliable defensive asset, but Alonso seems to hold a different perspective.

The new manager reportedly believes that Mendy no longer fits into his tactical system. Alonso is building a side that emphasizes fluid transitions, attacking width, and versatility from the full-back positions. While Mendy is defensively solid, his lack of consistency going forward has been seen as a limitation in Alonso’s style of play.

Real Madrid, however, face a significant challenge in executing Alonso’s request. Club officials fear that finding a buyer for Mendy may prove difficult given his injury record and the fact that he is approaching the later years of his career. Despite this, the decision has been made to place him on the transfer market, with hopes that an interested club might still take a chance on him.

For Madridistas, this development carries mixed emotions. On one hand, many recognize Mendy’s contributions, particularly in crucial matches where his defensive discipline was vital. On the other, there is a growing sentiment that Real Madrid must evolve, and letting go of players who no longer align with the future vision is part of that process.

Alonso’s stance also highlights the shifting dynamics at the Bernabéu. Whereas Ancelotti valued stability and loyalty to trusted players, Alonso is ushering in a merit-based culture that prioritizes performance, tactical fit, and long-term growth. It signals that no player—regardless of past importance—is untouchable under the new regime.

With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen whether Mendy will attract serious suitors. Should he depart, his exit would symbolize the closing of Ancelotti’s chapter at Real Madrid and the firm beginning of Alonso’s reign. One thing is certain: Xabi Alonso is determined to shape this Real Madrid side in his own way, even if it means dismantling some of the pillars that his predecessor once relied upon