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Football Insider

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Criticizes Real Madrid's Treatment of Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has publicly criticized Real Madrid President Florentino Perez for leaving Xabi Alonso 'isolated' at the Bernabeu, contrasting the supportive environment the coach enjoyed at Leverkusen. Amid mounting speculation about Alonso's future at Real Madrid, Carro's scathing critique sheds light on the contrasting managerial cultures at the two clubs.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Criticizes Real Madrid's Treatment of Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil", contrasting it sharply with the support Alonso enjoyed at the BayArena.Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid, once viewed as the homecoming of a managerial prodigy, has quickly turned into a trial by fire. Back-to-back home defeats to Celta and Manchester City added fuel to reports that Alonso's future at the club is in doubt heading into the weekend clash against Deportivo Alaves, which they won 2-1. Amidst growing reports that the 44-year-old is facing the sack already, his former boss at Leverkusen has spoken out to defend the coach, pointing the finger squarely at the structural differences between the two clubs. Carro, the CEO of the Bundesliga side, believes that Alonso has been left exposed by a Madrid board that fails to protect its managers in times of crisis.Alonso departed Leverkusen in the summer to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, tasked with leading a new era for Los Blancos. However, results have been mixed, and the Spanish press has already begun to sharpen its knives. For Carro, who oversaw Alonso’s historic unbeaten domestic double in Germany, the issue lies not with the tactician’s ability, but with the ruthless and often lonely environment fostered by Madrid president Florentino Perez.Speaking to Sky, Carro did not mince his words when comparing the supportive environment of Leverkusen with the cut-throat politics of Madrid. "We didn't advise him on anything," Carro said when asked if he had spoken to Alonso about his current predicament. "At the time we would have liked him to stay here, but we know he is a coach with enormous talent who, yes, finds himself in a different context in Madrid."If the president says that a coach is a necessary evil, if the coach is left alone and it is always he who receives the criticism, well then the situation is very different from the one he experienced in Leverkusen, where we all rowed in the same direction and did not leave the coach politically alone."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Despite the tense situation surrounding Alonso’s future, Carro revealed that his personal relationship with the Basque coach remains incredibly strong. The two forged a close bond during Alonso’s three-year stint in Germany, a period that transformed Leverkusen from underachievers to history-makers.Carro confirmed that he recently visited Alonso in the Spanish capital, emphasising that their connection transcends the professional sphere."During the international break I was in Madrid for a weekend, and the coaching staff and the family were at our house twice," Carro revealed. "We have a very good relationship; after all, during those three years we were like a family. I also know that they follow our matches and we follow theirs, we follow each other. We feel a lot of appreciation for each other and maintain very close contact."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe contrast described by Carro serves as a warning to Madrid fans and pundits calling for Alonso’s head. However, pressure will only continue to build on the coach unless he brings consistency after a stunning start to his tenure. They started the season with 13 wins from their first 14 games under Alonso, including a victory against Barcelona, but a defeat to Liverpool sparked a dismal run that saw them drop four points behind in La Liga and in danger of falling out of the Champions League's top eight.While Leverkusen soldier on without him, watching their former manager struggle under the weight of the "white house" expectations has evidently struck a nerve with the German club's hierarchy. Whether Perez heeds the subtle warning from his counterpart remains to be seen, but as the sack rumours intensify, the accusation that Alonso has been "left alone" will likely resonate with those who feel the manager is being made a scapegoat for wider structural issues.

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The Isolation of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro recently launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing President Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso 'isolated' at the Bernabeu. Carro highlighted the stark difference in support that Alonso experienced at Leverkusen compared to his current situation at the Spanish giants, where managers are often seen as a 'necessary evil'. With reports of Alonso facing an early sack amid disappointing results, Carro's comments have sparked a debate about the treatment of coaches at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Structural Challenges for Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid, once hailed as the dawn of a new era for Los Blancos, has encountered setbacks with recent defeats fueling speculation about his future. Bayer Leverkusen's Carro pointed out the structural differences between Leverkusen and Madrid, emphasizing the lack of protection and support afforded to coaches at the latter. Carro shed light on the ruthless and often lonely environment under Perez's leadership, contrasting it with the collaborative and supportive culture that Alonso experienced in Germany.

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Personal Support for Xabi Alonso

Despite the challenging circumstances surrounding Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Carro shared insights into his strong personal relationship with the coach. Carro revealed that he recently visited Alonso in Madrid, underscoring their close bond established during Alonso's successful tenure at Leverkusen. The mutual respect and admiration between the two signify a deeper connection beyond professional matters, highlighting the enduring impact of their time together in Germany.

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The Warning Sign from Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen's critique of Real Madrid's treatment of Xabi Alonso serves as a cautionary tale for the Spanish club's leadership and fans. The accusations of leaving Alonso 'alone' and making him a scapegoat for wider structural issues resonate with those observing the managerial turmoil at the Bernabeu. As Alonso navigates through a crucial phase in his coaching career, the contrast in managerial cultures outlined by Carro highlights the importance of support and unity in fostering success in football management.

Published on Dec 15, 2025