Real Madrid’s ‘real problem’ may not be the bench – It is inside the dressing room

Three managers have failed

Ancelotti’s end to his Real Madrid tenure was tough. (Photo by Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images)

Managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and now Arbeloa have all faced similar challenges.

Each has made tactical errors, yes, but the recurring theme has been their struggle to fully control a dressing room filled with strong personalities and established egos.

Ancelotti, in his final stretch, appeared to prioritise stability over confrontation.

Known for his calm authority, he chose to go through the situation carefully rather than risk open conflict, even as signs of disconnect between the squad and coaching staff became increasingly visible on the pitch.

Alonso’s tenure, meanwhile, happened more publicly. His tensions with Vinicius complicated his authority within the group, and ultimately, the club’s decision to back the player over the manager sent a powerful message.

That message may have long-term consequences, as it more or less conveyed the idea that player influence had reached a level where it could directly influence managerial futures.

Then there is Arbeloa

Now, with Arbeloa, the situation appears slightly different, but not necessarily resolved.

While he has managed to bring a degree of calm to parts of the squad, cracks are still evident.

Reports of friction involving players like Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos show that tensions have not disappeared. Instead, they have simply shifted.

Interestingly, a section of the dressing room is said to support Arbeloa’s continuity.

But that backing shows uncertainty about what comes next and whether a new manager would challenge the existing power dynamics more aggressively.

This is where the real issue lies.

Real Madrid are not lacking talent, nor are they short of tactical ideas. What they are struggling with is control – the ability to establish a clear hierarchy where the manager’s authority is unquestioned.

Until that balance is restored, changing coaches will continue to be a temporary solution to a deeper problem.