Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has once again defended his decision to bench Rodrygo in his side’s Club World Cup semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

With fierce competition from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, one Real Madrid attacker has found himself on the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s plans. As Real Madrid reflect on a disappointing semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup,

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says his Real Madrid side were better off with ‘different players’ after benching Arsenal target Rodrygo for a fifth game in a row.   The Brazil international’s future at the Spanish giants is looking increasingly bleak with the Gunners among the sides interested in signing him this summer.

The head coach labelled the decision to bench the winger as a tactical one. Further emphasising that this decision does not reflect on his future at the club.THE BIGGER PICTUREThe situation for Rodrygo hasn't improved under the new management of Alonso.

Rodrygo's long-term future at Real Madrid remains uncertain after falling down the pecking order under new manager Xabi Alonso