Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Era Nearing Its End with Focus on the Madrid Team
As the Bundesliga season draws to a close, Xabi Alonso’s time at the helm is nearing its end, and the Basque coach has shifted his full attention to his upcoming role with Real Madrid.
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While much has been said about potential signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huysen, and Álvaro Carreras, Alonso’s responsibilities as the new captain of Real Madrid go beyond mere acquisitions. His role will involve a thorough reorganization of the team, especially considering that many of the current squad members are nearing the end of their careers.
In a press conference yesterday, Carlo Ancelotti remarked: “We could have performed better as a team, but it’s impossible to assess players like Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Courtois. I would never criticize the players who have brought me so much joy over the past four years. To me, they will always be the best, even if sometimes they don’t reach their highest level.” This comment sheds light on the challenges Ancelotti has faced in making substantial changes to the squad.
Looking ahead, Xabi Alonso will lead his team in the upcoming Club World Cup, where the fates of players such as Lucas Vázquez, Luka Modrić, and Jesús Vallejo will be decided, with all three having contracts expiring this summer.
Additionally, attention will be focused on players like Rodrygo Goes, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos. Their futures at the club will depend not only on the offers they receive but also on how well they fit into Alonso’s playing style. The coach will need to determine whether to continue with Bayer Leverkusen’s system, adapt it to the existing squad, or embrace Carlo Ancelotti’s iconic 1-4-3-3 formation—a decision that will likely be assessed during the Club World Cup.
