What is Galactico Power? Why Is Xabi Alonso's Sacking Related to It

In football, few terms carry as much weight or controversy as Galactico Power. Xabi Alonso's shocking exit from Real Madrid has reignited debate on this phenomenon.

If you are wondering what Galactico Power is and why a manager who transformed Bayer Leverkusen lasted just seven months at the Bernabeu, it boils down to Galactico Power clashing with coaching authority.

What is Galactico Power?

Galactico Power is an ideology where star players' celebrity status trumps the coach's. It emerged from Real Madrid's Galacticos era under President Florentino Perez, who prioritizes signing global icons like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham. In a Galactico Power-driven club, business interests outweigh team balance, stars bypass the coach to reach the president, and the manager serves as an enabler for player egos rather than a tactician.

What is Galactico Power at its core? It's players as international brands, where club priorities eclipse on-pitch discipline.

Why Was Xabi Alonso Sacked?

Even though on paper Alonso's departure was a mutual agreement between both parties, several reports suggest it was a sack. The case of Xabi Alonso sacked is one of the examples of Galactico power overpowering tactics. The play style of Alonso, which included high press and discipline, which had succeeded in Leverkusen with a historic unbeaten Bundesliga season, conflicted with the Galacticos of Madrid. It has been reported that Alonso's understanding of carrying out high-pressure and defensive tasks conflicted with the egos of the Galacticos, who apparently were resistant to the policy of putting in the miles.

The decisive moment for the Spanish club arrived when Alonso substituted Vinicius Junior in the first El Clasico of the year. The player's tantrum and the team's refusal to show solidarity with the coach made it obvious that the era of power had changed for Alonso. Despite Madrid being in the second position in La Liga, the necessity for the Madrid administration had changed, and keeping the Galacticos happy took precedence over adhering to the strict plan.

Past Victims of Galactico Power

Xabi Alonso sacked is not isolated—history repeats at the Bernabeu. In 2003, Vicente del Bosque secured two Champions Leagues but was ousted for lacking marketability amid Zidane and Ronaldo's egos. There were other reasons, like political shifts and Galactico policy changes. Similarly, in 2015-16, Rafael Benitez clashed over discipline, tactics, and big-game results as he enforced defence on Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, surviving only half a season before Zinedine Zidane took over.

Zidane thrived by mastering Galactico Power diplomacy over rigid tactics. What is Galactico Power's enduring lesson? Even elite coaches falter without yielding to stars, turning managers into diplomats first and generals second.