Rafael Benitez believes "there's a lot of politics involved" at Real Madrid, which he sees as one of the reasons for Xabi Alonso's departure as head coach.

Alonso was named Madrid boss in June 2025 ahead of the Club World Cup, but left his role in January, with president Florentino Perez confirming the Spaniard was not sacked by the club.

The now Chelsea boss won 24 of his 34 matches in charge of Los Blancos (D4 L6), though reportedly fell out with Vinicius Junior during his time in the Spanish capital.

Alonso had previously guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in 2023-24, while also finishing runners-up in the Europa League in the same season.

Benitez faced a similar situation at Madrid, losing his job after just 24 games (W16 D5 L3) despite topping their Champions League group, as he reportedly lost the support of the dressing room.

"At Real Madrid, as you say, Xabi has many similarities to me," Benitez, who coached Alonso at Liverpool, told BBC Sport.

"Alonso likes to work, organise things, and then talk to the players about what they want to do.

"But at Real Madrid, there's a lot of politics involved. So perhaps that's why it was more complicated."

Alonso started his Chelsea tenure with a 3-0 victory over Fulham, who are coached by another former Madrid boss in Alvaro Arbeloa.

Alonso became the first Chelsea manager to see the Blues score three goals in his first Premier League game in charge since Maurizio Sarri in August 2018.