Bellingham insists Alonso decides Madrid tactics, not star players

Jude Bellingham has shot down suggestions that Real Madrid’s key players are able to overrule the tactics of under-fire head coach Xabi Alonso, as they prepare for Thursday’s Supercopa de Espana tie against Atletico Madrid.

Alonso’s first campaign back at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu has not gone to plan, with Madrid sitting four points behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.

There have also been reports that Alonso has clashed with many of Madrid’s big-name players, with some claiming his relationship with Vinicius Junior is particularly strained.

Alonso boasts a 72% win ratio through his first 32 games in charge of Madrid (23 victories), with Manuel Pellegrini (75%) the only coach to lead Los Blancos for at least 10 matches and boast a better win percentage (Radomir Antic and Jose Mourinho also 72%).

And Bellingham insists Madrid’s players remain united behind the former midfielder and have not undermined him in any way.

“I don’t have any power over the tactics or anything else. I’m not going to talk about that because it’s false,” Bellingham told reporters in Jeddah.

“We’ve talked about the problems, but we know what is going on in the dressing room. We’re with the coach; there’s no debate about that.

“It’s been positive, we are working to improve. I get along very well with everyone. If things aren’t going well, then we sit down and talk. We’re all fully behind the coach.”

Touchdown in Jeddah! pic.twitter.com/6HOad781Pw

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) January 6, 2026

Bellingham also believes the criticism of Madrid’s results this campaign has been overblown, adding: “We are second in LaLiga and well-placed in the Champions League.

“It is not a disaster. What happens tomorrow, which I hope will be a victory, should not influence anything, although it is not my decision.”

Amid Madrid’s chaotic campaign, reports have claimed Vinicius is unwilling to renew his contract, which is due to expire at the end of 2026-27, while Alonso remains at the helm.

Vinicius has six goals and eight assists to his name in 31 appearances so far this season.

He has not failed to reach at least 33 goal involvements in any of the last four campaigns (38 in 2021-22, 42 in 2022-23, 33 in 2023-24 and 36 in 2024-25).

Asked about the Brazilian’s importance, Alonso said: “There is a long season ahead, and Vini is going to be important.

“We need him at his best, enjoying himself on the pitch. When he does, he gives us that edge. We have to find him in good positions. He is fundamental for us.”