Xabi Alonso has wasted no time in stamping his authority at Real Madrid. The new head coach has made it clear from the very start: reputation and talent alone are not enough to guarantee minutes. For Alonso, attitude and commitment are non-negotiable, and those who fall short will be left behind.

Dani Ceballos, the Example

The clearest case of Alonso’s uncompromising philosophy is Dani Ceballos. Once considered a player who could earn a place through his energy and drive in training, the Andalusian midfielder now finds himself sidelined. Not because of a lack of ability, but due to what Alonso sees as a lack of focus and dedication.

Ceballos has been increasingly excluded from matchday plans, with his minutes reduced drastically in recent competitions. The coach’s stance is blunt: “I don’t want to see him in the team” if his commitment does not match the required standard. Alonso interprets the player’s mindset as drifting toward an exit, rather than fighting for his place at the Bernabéu.

Seen as a Betrayal

For Alonso, such an attitude borders on betrayal. In a squad stacked with world-class talent, he believes he cannot afford to carry players who are not fully invested in the project. The message to the locker room is firm: anyone who is not 100% committed will not be part of his Real Madrid.

Dreams of Returning to Betis

Meanwhile, Ceballos has made no secret of his desire to return to Real Betis, the club where he feels most at home. However, the financial aspect complicates matters. Betis cannot currently meet Madrid’s valuation, leaving the midfielder stuck in limbo. Despite appeals for help to facilitate his exit, Florentino Pérez is unwilling to sanction a cut-price deal.

An Uncertain Future

With the transfer window still open, surprises are possible. But if Ceballos remains, his role will be strictly marginal under Alonso’s regime. The Basque coach has been unequivocal: talent is not enough — discipline, will, and total dedication are mandatory.

Alonso’s stance also serves as a message to Pérez. No player, regardless of their name or status, is untouchable. In this new era at Real Madrid, the rules are simple: only those who give everything will play.