The Spanish coach departed Real Madrid after Supercopa de España loss to Barcelona
Jude Bellingham has publicly rejected claims that he was involved in a dressing room rift that contributed to the departure of former Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, pushing back strongly against reports that suggested senior players had turned against the Spaniard.
Alonso left his role on Monday, with former player Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as his successor. While the club framed the decision as a mutual parting of ways, questions have persisted about what led to the change, particularly given Real Madrid’s league position and overall results.
Several reports claimed that high-profile players, including Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, had become increasingly difficult to manage and were among those who had lost faith in the Spanish tactician. Some went further, alleging that parts of the dressing room were in favour of a managerial change.
Bellingham, who has quickly become one of Real Madrid’s most influential figures since arriving at the club, chose to address the rumours directly.
Writing on his app, the England international expressed frustration at what he described as repeated misinformation.
“Until now l’ve let far too many of these slide, always hoping the truth will come to light in its own time,” he noted. “But honestly… What a load of sh*t. Truly feel sorry for the people that hang onto the every word of these clowns and their ‘sources’.
“Do not believe everything you read, every now and then these lot need to be held accountable for spreading this kind of damaging misinformation for clicks and added controversy.”
OPINION | When Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona were dominating football, Florentino Pérez hired José Mourinho – not to outplay Barça, but to disrupt them.
With Hansi Flick restoring Barça’s identity, Real Madrid appointing Álvaro Arbeloa feels eerily similar.https://t.co/nbk2muGHm8
— BBSportNews (@BBSportNews24) January 13, 2026
Real Madrid seek stability
Speculation had also surrounded Vinícius Júnior’s future, with reports claiming the Brazilian was considering leaving Madrid due to dissatisfaction under Alonso.
While no formal move materialised, the narrative added to the sense of instability around the team during the final weeks of Alonso’s tenure. With Arbeloa now in charge, it remains to be seen whether those rumours will subside.
Real Madrid issued an official statement confirming Alonso’s departure and emphasising the amicable nature of the split, while also reaffirming his status within the club.
“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” it read.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”