After Xabi Alonso decides to give bench treatment to Rodrygo at Club World Cup, Gareth Bale makes feelings clear about new Real Madrid boss

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has shared his feelings about new Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer and already seems to have made an impression.

During his team's run in the FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso showed that he was not scared to drop Rodrygo to a squad role, amid links suggesting a move to Arsenal. Claiming that he expects big things in the future from the former Bayer Leverkusen boss, Bale told ESPN FC (via GOAL):

“I think if you look off what he did at Leverkusen, yes, and now he's arguably got better players to work with and I imagine a bigger transfer kitty. So I would like to think Xabi has got the respect of the players and the players will play for him. So I expect big changes and I expect them to play the way he wants them and if they don't, I don't think Xabi's scared to drop anyone.”

Unfortunately, Alonso was unable to claim his first trophy as Real Madrid boss with his team crashing out of the Club World Cup in the semi-final stage. They were comprehensively defeated 4-0 by last season's UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Alonso showed great promise during his time with Bayer Leverkusen from 2022 to 2025. He won the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal, among other honros with the German side.

Luka Modric shares his feelings as Real Madrid exit nears

Luka Modric's time at Real Madrid is coming to an end, with his current deal ending in mid-June. He joined the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012.

Overall, the Croatian made 597 appearances across competitions, bagging 43 goals and 95 assists. Speaking in an interview with the club's official channels, Modric said (via Football Espana):

“It has been a long journey, but unforgettable. I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person. I have another house outside my house, because Madrid and Spain are like my second home. I’m very happy and I’m sure that with time I’ll be even more aware of what I’ve achieved, because I’m going to need some time to add up all the emotions and everything I’ve achieved here.”

During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Modric won six UEFA Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles, among other honors. He's expected to join AC Milan once his contract at Real Madrid runs out.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh