What happened with Jude Bellingham in England is the best example for Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid's locker room stands out for being one of the most difficult to manage in the world. Xabi Alonso deals daily with a group full of top-level stars, from Jude Bellingham and Mbappé to Rodrygo, Vinícius, or Courtois. Coordinating so many egos, talents, and sensitivities forces the white team's coach to measure every decision he makes down to the last detail.

Unlike Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso isn't exactly known for having a great deal of tact. His main virtues as a coach are hard work, daily effort, and a very deep tactical analysis of every match. That profile, necessary to shine at the elite level, sometimes clashes with the sensitivity of a locker room full of footballers who believe they're indispensable.

In this context, what's happened with Jude Bellingham during the international break becomes a perfect example for Xabi Alonso. The Englishman is currently one of the main leaders of Real Madrid and his national team, used to always being in the spotlight. However, even the biggest stars need to be reminded where the limit is.

Jude Bellingham gets himself into trouble just months before the World Cup

In England's match against Albania, Jude Bellingham left the field in the 84th minute visibly upset. His reaction was unmistakable: angry gestures, arms in the air, and a look that made it clear he didn't take Thomas Tuchel's decision well. It was a scene that was all too reminiscent of what happened with Vinícius when Xabi decided to substitute him in El Clásico.

The interesting thing in this case has been Thomas Tuchel's public response. Far from downplaying it or sweeping what Jude Bellingham did under the rug, the English coach decided to address it directly in front of the media. He did so with a message that should be written on Real Madrid's locker room board.

"That was my decision, and Jude has to accept it. Behavior is key and you have to respect the teammates who come in. We're not going to change the decision because someone waves their arms", Thomas Tuchel stated bluntly.

From a group management perspective, Thomas Tuchel's message is impeccable. It reinforces the coach's authority, protects the substitutes coming off the bench, and sets a very clear red line. For Xabi Alonso, this episode is a perfect compass: if Tuchel is able to set limits for Jude Bellingham, the white team's coach should feel legitimized to act the same way at Bernabéu.