"Players are the real bosses at Real," McManaman commented on TNT Sports. "Coaches can ask them to play a certain way, but once on the field, things unfold differently. This is not new; it has always been this way."

According to the former English legend, the power dynamic in the Bernabeu dressing room differs from many other major clubs. "At Liverpool, Arne Slot makes the decisions. At Man City, Pep Guardiola holds full authority. But at Real, the players have the final say," he stated.

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa (in black) instructs Jude Bellingham during Real's 3-4 loss to Bayern in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 15/4/2026. *Photo: AP*

McManaman came through the Liverpool academy, joining the first team before moving to Real from 1999-2003 and Man City from 2003-2005. Internationally, he scored three goals in 37 appearances for England, participating in Euro 1996, 2000, and the 1998 World Cup.

Drawing from these experiences, the 54-year-old former midfielder understands what a coach needs to succeed at the Bernabeu. According to him, the key lies in balancing discipline and psychology. "A coach needs both talent and the ability to persuade," McManaman stated. "Equally important is making all players feel like a part of the team. They must enjoy training and avoid being overwhelmed by tactics or video analysis sessions. The line between keeping them happy and helping them perform well is very fine."

McManaman cited successful Real coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Vicente del Bosque, known for their flexible styles and dressing room management skills. Conversely, he argued that coaches with rigid, often scolding approaches struggle to last long at Real. "Coaches of that type have come and quickly had to leave," he remarked.

Referring to Xabi Alonso, who only lasted over six months at Real, McManaman suggested the issue was not personality but tactical incompatibility. "I don't think Xabi is someone who scolds often. He just tried to impose his philosophy from Leverkusen, but the players didn't accept it," he concluded.

Gareth Bale (left) and coach Carlo Ancelotti during their time together at Real Madrid. *Photo: AP*

Gareth Bale shared similar views on the "Stick to Football" podcast, recalling his experiences working under Zinedine Zidane and Ancelotti.

The Welsh football legend believed Zidane earned respect primarily through his status as a player rather than the volume of tactical instruction. "We mostly did basic drills, practice matches, and finishing, with very little complex tactical analysis," Bale said, adding that Zidane even participated directly in training sessions, leveraging his personal prestige.

Meanwhile, Bale rated Ancelotti as the best coach he ever worked with, thanks to his ability to maintain dressing room balance. "He made every player feel important, even when they weren't playing," the former Welsh forward shared.

Zidane had two stints managing Real, from 2016-2018 and 2019-2021, winning 11 titles, including two La Liga titles and a record three consecutive Champions League trophies. Ancelotti also managed Real for two terms, from 2013-2015 and 2021-2025, securing 15 titles, among them two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.

Bale also noted that at Real, the priority message is always the Champions League, and pressure from the hierarchy forces coaches to adapt quickly to the dressing room rather than imposing their philosophy. He observed that rapid coaching changes, such as Xabi Alonso's case, are not surprising if the team feels the tactical system doesn't suit the players. "At Real, if you do too much, the players won't accept it. You don't need to be the best tactician; what's important is people management," Bale added.

Real faces the risk of a trophy-less season, having suffered a surprising 2-3 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 1/8, recently eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich, and currently sitting second in La Liga, nine points behind Barca. This situation casts significant doubt on coach Alvaro Arbeloa's future.

Hong Duy (according to *Marca*)