Change with Alonso
PSG and Luis Enrique are the next challenges on Xabi Alonso's path to building a new Real Madrid (2am, July 9) . The journey begins with changes both on and off the pitch: new coaching staff, new analysis team, new support technology.
Most importantly: new thinking and new order of power within the squad at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup .
Now, Dean Huijsen and Arda Guler are the real leaders on the pitch, while Gonzalo Garcia has exploded into the top scorer in the league. It all revolves around a familiar concept: “modern football”.
Xabi Alonso began his first training session as Real Madrid coach on June 9 at Valdebebas. The absence of international players meant the training ground was quite empty in the early days.
However, that very week, Alonso and the coaching staff spent more than 10 hours a day at the training center to lay the foundation for the working method, analyze the team's strengths and weaknesses and plan to turn the trip to the US into a real turning point for this new phase.
The details were clear: high intensity in training, with Alonso sticking to every exercise; tactical work on the pitch and via video ; and finally, re-energising and inspiring the team after an inconsistent season.
More modern than Ancelotti
Just four weeks after Alonso arrived at Valdebebas, and three weeks after arriving in Palm Beach, Real Madrid were transformed both physically and mentally.
“More modern ,” Courtois admitted. “Xabi is more modern than (Ancelotti) , he wants everyone in the right position, wants us to look for collective play instead of individual play. Pressure, the way of playing… When the team works well, the individual will play well.”
According to Alonso, Courtois "has the mindset of a coach" , so he is often the one who criticizes his teammates the harshest but is also the most sincere and profound when looking at the team's situation.
“Carlo brought a lot, but they have very different styles, two different types of football,” Courtois shared.
“Xabi is a young coach, full of ambition, observes everything very carefully and always keeps the intensity high. He pulls everyone together because modern football today requires high pressing, the whole team attacks and defends together, everyone has a role in the system . ”
Goals from Gonzalo or Fede Valverde and assists from Arda Guler have made Vinicius – Ancelotti's number 1 star – fade away.
Vinicius had his best game of the tournament against Salzburg, but so far Real Madrid have not needed his superb performances to get a positive result.
“If we expect Vini or Kylian to go past four players and score, we will not win. We need everyone in the right position, then they will shine thanks to their individual quality,” Courtois emphasized.
The concept of “11-man defense” was repeated during training camp in Florida, especially since it was a hot topic last season.
“I don't ask Mbappe to press, I need him to score goals ,” Ancelotti once said.
Mbappe was sick and did not start, but Gonzalo continued to impress with his tireless pressing. “ The team needs energy, rhythm, intensity. You need to feel the adrenaline in the game ,” Alonso explained.
New heart in the middle
One of the tactical keys in Alonso 's first weeks has been midfield, with three names standing out: Tchouameni, Valverde and Guler.
Tchouameni is now the team's main man, able to drop into central defence and then return to midfield. Beside him, Guler no longer plays on the wing but plays as a true central midfielder.
Guler benched Rodrygo from the second match and became Real Madrid's conductor – exactly as Alonso instructed.
“This is the time to invest in Guler’s development. Let him grow, make mistakes, accept them and improve. Playing more will help him improve,” Alonso said.
A statement that is completely opposite to Ancelotti's famous quote in the last months - when the controversy over the use of young players reached its peak: "If you want to be a starter at Real Madrid, you must first know how to sit on the bench" .
Guler had two assists. His presence freed Valverde from the creative burden, thereby allowing him to be more comfortable in attacking.
With Guler, Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid have completely changed.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/real-madrid-dau-psg-xabi-alonso-modern-daily-honed-ancelotti-2419437.html
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