A New Era at Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso Takes the Helm
Real Madrid has officially marked a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the head coach of its senior team. Following the emotional departures of Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric, the club faces immediate challenges, including a crucial international tournament on the horizon: the Club World Cup set to take place this summer in the United States.
Immediate Challenges for Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s entrance into the coaching realm at Real Madrid is met with tremendous pressure and expectations. He is tasked with quickly proving his worth, building a competitive squad, and leading effectively on all fronts. No coach in recent history has faced such intense scrutiny upon entering the club, especially with multiple pressing issues to resolve in a short time frame.
Defensive Restructuring
A key area of focus will be the defense, where Alonso will implement significant changes. This summer is expected to be characterized by the rebuilding of the defensive line, which will include three new players in the starting lineup: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Housen, and Álvaro Carrares. While the first two are set to provide immediate contributions, Carrares is on the verge of finalizing his contract. This transformation from a previously injury-ridden defense to a promising yet untested quartet will need to deliver results quickly, beginning with the matches in the U.S.
It’s worth noting that defensive strategies are not Alonso’s strong suit; here, he will rely on assistant coach Sebastián Pareja, credited for his expertise in defensive formations during Alonso’s time at Bayer Leverkusen.
Cup Competition and Financial Challenges
As Real Madrid bids farewell to Modric and Ancelotti, expectations are high for immediate results. The club is under financial and reputational pressure, especially considering the lucrative rewards (over €100 million) associated with the upcoming World Cup. For Alonso, there is no room for trial and error; he must secure victories right away.
Navigating Midfield Changes
With Modric no longer present to anchor the midfield, Alonso faces the challenge of reconstructing this pivotal area. The club has chosen not to extend Modric’s contract to promote younger talent. The first beneficiary of this decision may be Arda Güler, whom Ancelotti praised for his exceptional on-field awareness. Eduardo Camavinga is also expected to take on more responsibility, but the spotlight will be on acquiring a key midfielder-considered the cornerststart of the squad-desperately needed to bring stability and quality to the midfield.
Names like Martin Zubimendi and Florian Wirtz are circulating, though Zubimendi appears almost unattainable, particularly with Bayern and Liverpool in pursuit. The acquisition of a suitable option will be vital for the success of Alonso’s project.
Star Player Dynamics
Alonso will also need to address the chemistry between Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé. Despite both players contributing significantly with 64 goals last season, concerns over their coordination persist. The upcoming season will require a much stronger connection to enhance the team’s attacking prowess, necessitating careful management of egos and interpersonal dynamics within the locker room.
Evaluating Rodrigo’s Position
Another dilemma for Alonso centers around Rodrigo. The Brazilian finds himself in a state of uncertainty, potentially becoming a casualty of the new tactical framework. Should Alonso favor a front three, Rodrigo might not fit into his plans. Conversely, his talent could be leveraged to facilitate funding for additional signings or serve as a surprise weapon from the bench.
Emphasizing Academy Integration
start of the main criticisms of Ancelotti in recent years was the limited opportunities granted to academy players. Alonso, who began his coaching journey in Real’s youth academy, will be closely scrutinized in this aspect. Following Raúl’s departure, a number of promising talents such as Gonzalo, Jacobo Ramón, and Enzo Alves, Marcelo’s son, remain in the mix. The club expects Alonso to integrate these young players, which could serve both as a symbolic gesture and a real opportunity for growth.
Tactical Innovation: Five-Player Defense
Alonso might implement a tactical shift to a five-player defensive setup, a system he effectively utilized in Germany. With the likes of Antonio Rüdiger, Marco Asensio, Housen, Carrares, and Alexander-Arnold at his disposal, there is sufficient depth and balance to execute this unconventional approach for Real Madrid. Such a move would mark a bold, if not unprecedented, strategy for the club over the past decade, positioning it as the foundation of what can be termed “Real Madrid 2.0.”
An Emphasis on High-Press Football
start of the pressing issues for Alonso will be addressing the team’s pressing style. Last season under Ancelotti, Real Madrid struggled with high pressing and controlling game pace. This is expected to change as Alonso is known for his fast-paced, dynamic style of play, reminiscent of the club’s historical identity.
Proven Methods in the Spotlight
Despite being a relatively young coach, Alonso has demonstrated the effectiveness of his strategies, leading Bayer Leverkusen from the bottom of the Bundesliga to an undefeated championship and a double win, narrowly missing out on a treble. With everything on the line, he will seek to confirm that even at the highest levels, his approach is capable of racking up victories.
As Xabi Alonso embarks on his journey with Real Madrid, a host of challenges await, but the potential for success is equally promising. The club, the fans, and the football world will be watching closely as this new era unfolds