La Liga
What Are The Challenges Xabi Alonso Faces As Real Madrid Manager?
Xabi Alonso is rejoining Real Madrid as the head coach, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, and will lead the team at the upcoming Club World Cup.
Sportxparte highlights three key areas the 43-year-old Spaniard needs to address as he plans Los Blancos’ return to winning ways.
The club finished the season without a trophy, adding pressure to his next steps.
Bring balance to the Team
Alonso’s predecessor, Ancelotti, often complained last season that the team was unbalanced and lacked “collective commitment.”
He faced the challenge of squeezing too many attackers into the lineup while coping with a defense ravaged by injuries.
To make matters worse, the club failed to bring in a replacement for Toni Kroos following his retirement.
French superstar Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract in 2024 was the big change for a Madrid side that won a Champions League and La Liga double.
For a while, he and Vinicius Junior struggled to find chemistry, frequently occupying the same spaces on the pitch. Mbappe eventually adapted to a central role, delivering an impressive 43 goals across all competitions.
However, their combined presence often left Madrid exposed defensively.
Alonso has to work out a way for the pair to work in tandem while still pressing effectively and making sure Madrid is not outnumbered when on the back foot.
Luka Modric’s departure after the Club World Cup marks another loss of experience, composure, and technical quality in Madrid’s midfield.
However, Alonso’s preferred 3-4-3 formation could align well with the current squad. This setup may prove even more effective with the anticipated arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the confirmed signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Handling the superstars
If Ancelotti had one standout strength, it was managing a dressing room filled with star players and strong personalities. During his first stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, he brought out the best in Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale.
In his second spell, he played a key role in Vinicius Junior’s rise to superstardom.
The Italian coach would sometimes balk at suggestions he was a good man manager but not a tactical mastermind, but it should not be underestimated how important it is to keep people onside at Madrid.
Ancelotti handled everyone around the club with remarkable finesse, from President Florentino Perez to the star players and the media.
His ability to manage relationships was a key part of his success. Alonso has a similar aura, which could benefit him the same way it did for Zinedine Zidane during his time in charge.
Ending Barcelona’s winning stake
A major factor in Ancelotti’s downfall at Madrid was his team’s collapse in all four Clasicos this season. The most painful defeat came in October when Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
That result not only embarrassed Madrid on their own turf but also signaled the difficult season ahead.
Barcelona’s 4-3 win in the return league fixture effectively dethroned Madrid, reclaiming the Spanish title for Catalonia and the margin could have been even greater without flattering Los Blancos.
They followed that up with a 3-2 victory in the Copa del Rey final and a 5-2 triumph in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Completing a domestic treble, Barcelona left Madrid stunned and searching for answers.
Ancelotti’s side could not cope with Hansi Flick’s high defensive line and relentless pressing, and Alonso will already be studying the German’s set-up to make sure Madrid fare far better next season in the crunch clashes.
