Real Madrid's Alonso Hits Early Trouble: Can Work Ethic Beat Ego?

Xabi Alonso's start as Real Madrid manager was almost perfect. His team won 13 of their first 14 games this season. He seemed to be successfully changing the club's culture, replacing a reliance on star player "ego and vibes" with hard work and discipline. However, problems have now emerged. After a series of poor results in November, reports suggest the squad is divided. A small group supports Alonso's strict methods. But a larger group reportedly objects to his demands for punctuality, intense training, and lengthy tactical meetings. The early success showed Alonso's "work ethic" approach could work. The current tension reveals how difficult it is to change the habits of a team full of global stars.