Story byReal Madrid refused to listen to Xabi Alonso’s requests after the Club World CupMadrid UniversalTue, January 6, 2026 at 11:30 AM UTC·2 min readIt will require a string of good results, and possibly the Spanish Super Cup title, for Xabi Alonso to develop a sense of security around his position at Real Madrid. After all, recent months have not been easy on him and he continues to battle through a period where every game is treated like a potential finale. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 5-1 win over Real Betis was the team’s first dominant performance in a long time, and there is optimism around them turning their situation around. Concurrently, however, there are some clear lacunae in the squad including at centre-back and the midfield, which leave the manager struggling for options at times. A larger wish-listAs relayed by The Athletic in a recent report, Xabi Alonso asked the Real Madrid board for more signings after the FIFA Club World Cup. By that time, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold had already arrived while Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono were also signed by the Merengues. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe board, however, did not make any further moves despite Alonso’s clear requests. Xabi Alonso wanted more signings after the Club World Cup. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/)A senior figure in the administration insisted that Real Madrid have one of the world’s youngest and most valuable dressing rooms in recent years – possibly the reason they did not push for further recruitments. At the time, there was widespread news that the manager was demanding that certain positions be reinforced. First, Alonso clearly wanted another defensive midfield profile like that of Martin Zubimendi to add not only experience but a better ball-controlling presence in the middle. To this day, that remains one of the lacunae in the squad. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe second position he wished for was a ‘Joselu-type’ centre-forward signing – one who would arrive on a short-term term with low wages – to add an all-round finishing profile. While that move did not go through, there is optimism that Gonzalo Garcia can provide that profile.