Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Revolution: Tactical Shifts and Youth Focus Emerge After One Month

Xabi Alonso's tenure as Real Madrid manager is just a month old, but early signs suggest a tactical shift and a renewed focus on youth development. From training sessions in Florida to Club World Cup matches, Alonso's vision is beginning to take shape.

Tactical Priorities: Positioning and Closeness

Alonso's primary focus is on improving the team's positioning, both with and without the ball. He emphasizes the need for players to be closer together, recognizing where they should be to maintain possession and win it back.

"It's about the distances [between players], with and without the ball," Alonso stated. "We have to be better positioned. We have to recognize where we ought to be, to have the ball, to win it back. The team needs to be closer together."

Due to the limited time available, Alonso is prioritizing key concepts and relying on video sessions to convey his ideas to the players.

Club World Cup Challenges

The FIFA Club World Cup presented immediate challenges. Injuries to key players like Kylian Mbappé, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão hampered Alonso's plans. A red card in the match against Pachuca further complicated matters.

Despite these setbacks, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the need for adaptation, stating that the team needs time to adjust to Alonso's methods after four years under Carlo Ancelotti.

Glimmers of Progress

Despite the challenges, there have been positive signs. After a draw against Al Hilal, Madrid bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Pachuca, with goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Federico Valverde. A subsequent 3-0 win against Salzburg, utilizing a new 3-4-3 formation, showcased the team's potential.

Alonso himself remains cautious, emphasizing that there is still much room for improvement.

Key Areas of Focus

Defense: Embracing Flexibility

Alonso is not fixated on a single defensive system. He demonstrated this by switching to a back three against Salzburg, utilizing Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Dean Huijsen. This tactical flexibility allows the team to adapt to different situations and opponents.

Midfield: Nurturing Arda Güler

Alonso appears to have greater plans for Arda Güler than his predecessor. Güler has featured prominently in midfield, even playing in a double pivot alongside Valverde against Salzburg. This suggests that Alonso sees Güler as a key component of his midfield plans.

Attack: Trusting Youth

Alonso's willingness to give young players a chance is evident in Gonzalo García's impressive performances at the Club World Cup. García has scored goals and provided assists, showcasing the benefits of trusting in academy talent. His performances have drawn comparisons to Real Madrid legend Raúl González.

Pressing and Teamwork

Alonso emphasizes the importance of collective pressing and teamwork. He wants all 11 players to work together as a unit, both in attack and defense. This requires a commitment from every player to be involved in all phases of the game.

The Road Ahead

While the early signs are encouraging, Alonso's Real Madrid faces tougher tests ahead. Upcoming matches against Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain will provide a clearer picture of the team's progress.