Real Madrid Faces New Challenges Under Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid's new era begins with a painful defeat.
The team's 4-0 loss to Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals has reset expectations. Manager Xabi Alonso emphasized that this marks the end of the previous season. Moving forward, the team's progress will be evaluated based on how effectively they adapt to Alonso's coaching philosophy.
After seven years of coaching pre-teens, Alonso now takes the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Basque native, who has played under a variety of managers including Javier Clemente, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Carlo Ancelotti, has absorbed diverse tactical insights from each of them.
Alonso's career trajectory was meticulously planned. If his time at Bayer Leverkusen did not pan out, he would return to Real Sociedad’s first team. If it did, he envisioned opportunities at Bayern Munich, Liverpool—his dream job—or Real Madrid. Now, he seizes a pivotal moment at the Bernabeu.
Colleagues describe Alonso as a commanding presence: "When he speaks, you listen. He helps you perceive the game more clearly, almost as if it slows down."
The Club World Cup provided a glimpse into his tactical approach. A recent 4-0 friendly victory against Tirol in Austria confirmed that Madrid will adopt a more positional style, aligning with modern football trends that emphasize collective effort over individual brilliance.
The high pressing strategy aims not only to regain possession but also to relieve stars like Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe from excessive defensive responsibilities. However, a significant question remains: will players accustomed to individual accolades accept a team-first mentality? And if they resist, will Alonso be willing to bench them?
Vinicius and Mbappe: A Balancing Act
Vinicius has been at the center of Madrid's summer discussions. The Brazilian, whose contract extends until 2027, has yet to finalize a renewal that the club anticipated following a verbal agreement in April. "This is the club of my life," he stated during the Club World Cup. Nevertheless, Madrid has offered terms that fall short of his expectations due to his recent dip in form. Vinicius is betting that his on-field performances will compel the club to reconsider.
On the pitch, his role will change. Alongside Mbappe, and with Bellingham positioned just behind, he will be required to contribute defensively more than he did under Ancelotti. In the locker room, the chemistry between Vinicius and Mbappe has been inconsistent, both on and off the field. Last season's squad was labeled as one of the most challenging for Ancelotti to manage. Now, Alonso must ensure that competing egos unite rather than divide.
Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold
Last season, Jude Bellingham played through injuries and was granted excessive tactical freedom, resulting in inconsistency. Alonso aims to refine his role, keeping him closer to the penalty area and the two strikers, reminiscent of the impactful version seen in his debut season.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold faces competition from Dani Carvajal, who is returning from a serious knee injury. Alexander-Arnold's exceptional passing and crossing abilities could redefine Madrid's right flank, but La Liga teams are tactically astute and may exploit any defensive vulnerabilities during his adjustment period.
Life After Kroos
Replacing Toni Kroos cannot be accomplished by a single player. Dean Huijsen, recently signed from Bournemouth, is emerging as a key figure in building from the back, with his passing range essential for maintaining tempo.
Aurelien Tchouameni brings versatility, capable of dropping between center-backs or advancing into midfield to ensure Madrid maintains spatial control. Arda Guler has been transformed into a central midfielder, and during the match against Tirol, he was Madrid's most productive attacker, creating four chances and assisting Mbappe. For a player previously utilized as an attacking midfielder, this new role could be pivotal.
The Future of Rodrygo
Rodrygo now faces increased competition. Eighteen-year-old Franco Mastantuono is part of a £150 million influx of new signings alongside Huijsen, Carreras, and Alexander-Arnold. The 4-3-3 formation used against Tirol will facilitate his integration, drawing comparisons to Lamine Yamal's role at Barcelona as they occupy the same wing. However, adaptation will require time; while Rodrygo possesses talent and personality, he has had limited training with the team.
Despite interest from the Premier League, including an inquiry from Pep Guardiola last year, no formal offers have been made to Madrid. The club values Rodrygo at over £85 million, and while he has not requested a transfer, his future remains uncertain, though a move appears improbable. Manchester City has decided that Savinho is not for sale, effectively closing that door.