Xabi Alonso admits: "Too many unnecessary fouls" as fan anger targets tactics and selections

Xabi Alonso acknowledged his team committed too many unnecessary fouls and must improve, a blunt assessment that mirrors rising frustration among supporters. Fans blasted the sloppy passing, lack of a clear plan, and questionable selections—particularly using Camavinga wide and benching Endrick. Substitutions also drew heat, with some preferring Gonzalo over Brahim in search of penalty-box presence. Concerns over concentration and repeat fouls from key names fed the narrative that control is slipping at critical moments. Alonso’s candor is a start, but pressure is mounting for swift tactical tweaks, cleaner buildup, and a more incisive attack in upcoming fixtures.

Following a misfiring performance in which control flipped on small details and set-piece pressure, Xabi Alonso addressed the media in his post-match comments, stressing that avoidable fouls repeatedly handed the opposition momentum. His remarks came after a game defined by low chance quality, imprecise passing phases, and an attack that struggled to create clean looks despite territorial spells. The coach’s admission that discipline without the ball must improve arrives amid a run where every marginal decision—press timing, rest defense structure, and substitutions—faces heightened scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike.

🗣 Xabi Alonso: "We made unnecessary fouls, we need to improve that."

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

When a coach highlights “unnecessary fouls,” he’s talking about structural distances and decision-making under pressing stress. Fouls typically spike when the first press is late, the second line over-commits, or defenders step out into poor body shape with no cover. Each cheap free-kick resets pressure, allows the opponent to breathe, and invites chaos around your own area. For a possession-dominant side, those sequences are double punishment: you lose rhythm and cede set-piece threat.

Fans’ critiques align with that picture. Sloppy passing points to poor spacing between lines and receivers showing late, forcing riskier passes and recoveries from disadvantageous positions—classic foul territory. Using a ball-winner like Camavinga on the right wing reduces ball progression quality inside, removes one of the best press-resisters from the middle, and starves the No. 9/10 of clean service. Bench decisions around Endrick and the Brahim-versus-Gonzalo debate reflect a desire for more direct box threat and runs that unpin deep defenses.

Alonso’s model leans on proactive positioning and compact rest-defense. If distances drift, you get late tackles and tactical fouls. The fix is not only “discipline,” but re-centring roles: a true interior to stabilize first/second phase, clearer occupation of half-spaces, and more verticality to keep the back line honest. With those tweaks, foul volume should drop alongside an uptick in chance quality.

Reaction

Supporter reaction was fierce and specific. Many argued the passing was off all night—simple five- and ten-meter balls went astray, breaking any momentum. Several pointed at the lack of a clear attacking plan, saying the side moved the ball for the sake of it without angles for the killer pass. The selection choices took center stage: Endrick on the bench angered a large section of fans who wanted stretching runs in behind and penalty-box instincts from minute one. Others were frustrated that Brahim was preferred to Gonzalo in a moment calling for a pure finisher.

Another flashpoint was the decision to deploy Camavinga as a right-sided option. Supporters argued it blunted ball progression, left the midfield without its best switch-under-pressure outlet, and didn’t suit the player’s strengths. Discipline concerns flared as well—users highlighted repeated soft fouls from key names and a costly lapse that gifted a dangerous free-kick. One comment harshly questioned the team’s prospects of lifting a 16th European crown under current patterns, reflecting the sky-high expectations at this club.

While most reactions focused on tactics, a minority used offensive language; many others pushed back, calling for constructive debate. The common thread: fans want clarity—defined roles, earlier attacking substitutions, and a blueprint that turns sterile possession into sustained threat.

Social reactions

You also need to improve on your subs man!

Leykedo (@Leykedo)

It's true! Jude did it twice in a row...why?

Maks_Nike 🇺🇦 (@MaksNike11)

Huijsen concentration always slacking in big games

Hybrid (@HYBRIDSOUND)

Prediction

Expect a correction cycle. In the short term, Alonso is likely to recentre the midfield: Camavinga back inside, a natural right-sided profile (Brahim or a true winger) to hold width or attack the half-space, and Jude positioned to arrive rather than constantly receive-to-feet under pressure. Given the noise, Endrick has a strong case to start—his depth runs pin centre-backs and open passing lanes for interiors. If Gonzalo is trusted, look for him as a late-game punch when the opponent’s line drops and fatigue creates gaps.

Out of possession, training will focus on press triggers and body orientation: arriving together, not lunging in isolation. Expect specific work on set-piece discipline and second-ball structure to reduce cheap restarts. Build-up could be simplified next match—one fewer high-risk rotation, more direct diagonals to the far side to stretch compact mid-blocks, and earlier vertical passes between the lines to get Jude and the No. 9 facing goal.

Results-wise, a cleaner, lower-foul performance should arrive quickly if distances tighten. If implemented, the side can reassert control domestically and stabilize in Europe. The key is alignment between selection and game model: once that clicks, the conversation shifts from firefighting to refinement.

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Conclusion

As someone who lived through dressing-room turbulence and course corrections, I read Alonso’s message as a veteran’s tell: he knows the issue isn’t just “don’t foul,” it’s why players are late in the first place. Distances, roles, and risk balance are solvable—fast—if the core identity remains intact. Fans are right to demand clarity about Endrick’s minutes and Camavinga’s position; those choices directly affect how cleanly the team reaches the final third.

The upside is obvious. This squad has ball-winners, press-resisters, and runners who complement one another. Restore the interior engine room, put a proper vertical threat on the last line, and the needless fouls will naturally drop because you won’t be chasing as many transitions. Next week’s selection should signal the adjustment: prioritize structure over experiments. Do that, and the narrative flips from frustration to momentum—exactly how title pushes are rebuilt.