How Mourinho succeeded in implementing his ideas and why Alonso failed

Journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon highlighted the differences between Xabi Alonso and José Mourinho in managing the Real Madrid dressing room, explaining that the most significant difference between them lies in the way they implement tactical ideas and handle players when making changes to the lineup and positions.

Alvarez explained that Alonso took over coaching Real Madrid with a clear tactical vision that fits the team's capabilities, as he wanted to deploy Federico Valverde in the right-back position and give Arda Güler a role in midfield alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni, as well as the possibility of substituting Vinicius Junior or keeping him on the bench.

It was pointed out that these ideas were not illogical or doomed to fail, especially since Real Madrid have won 13 of their first 14 matches under Alonso. However, part of the dressing room did not accept the changes that the coach tried to impose from the beginning.

He added that the coach's success in implementing his ideas does not only depend on his ability to explain them and convince the players of them, but also requires respect for the hierarchy within the team, and everyone's commitment to the head coach's decisions, especially when results confirm that the work is heading in the right direction.

On the other hand, Mourinho has taken a more gradual approach with his players, not imposing radical changes since his arrival, but working to implement his ideas step by step. He has become capable of substituting Vinicius Junior or keeping him out of the starting lineup, as happened against Villarreal, while continuing to rely on Federico Valverde in the right-back position and giving Arda Güler a role in central midfield during some matches.

Alvarez confirmed that Mourinho has succeeded in gaining the players' trust and convincing them that the new roles serve both the team's interests and their personal development, citing the case of Federico Valverde, who was not comfortable in the right-back position last season but has become more accepting and happy in this role under the Portuguese coach, thanks to the way he has dealt with him.

Alvarez concluded his remarks by pointing out that Mourinho has a special ability to manage dressing rooms and earn players' loyalty, without making concessions or allowing discipline to slip in training, but rather relying on his experience, coaching record, and ability to unify the group behind the coaching staff's decisions.