Alonso Fires Warning Shot After Initial Training Sessions with Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso attempted to temper expectations around his initial matches as Real Madrid's manager, cautioning that the Club World Cup has necessitated an unusual "acceleration" of his acclaimed coaching techniques.
The ex-Bayer Leverkusen manager was formally introduced as Madrid's new head coach in late May. During that event, Alonso described his appointment as "the start of an era," though such ambitious visions require time to materialize.
"Everything needs to be expedited because we have minimal time to become acquainted and practice," Alonso explained to Real Madrid TV. "We'll begin constructing a team with just three training sessions before our opening match. We're approaching this with tremendous enthusiasm and the aspiration to perform well enough in the tournament to reach the final."
Alonso's debut at the helm will come against Saudi Pro League team Al Hilal this Wednesday evening. The European giants are viewed as primary contenders to claim victory in this summer's first expanded version of the competition, with perhaps only the current Champions League title holders, Paris Saint-Germain, considered more likely winners.
The Basque coach managed to conduct his initial training session just at the beginning of the week. Reportedly unsettled Brazilian forward Rodrygo was a significant participant in an energetic practice that didn't include numerous stars involved in international fixtures. Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler have now rejoined the squad ahead of next week's first group match, but several prominent figures still need to be gradually reintegrated.
"The sessions have been very encouraging; gradually, you're getting to know the players and establishing that essential connection, and bit by bit, more players are returning," Alonso further commented.
Still, the straightforward manager isn't one to hide behind justifications. From the very first match under his leadership, the Spanish strategist desires more than just a favorable result. "We're beginning a new chapter and must prioritize what's crucial: our identity, our playing style, and how we feel about it," Alonso elaborated. "We want to establish that from the very start, from the match against Al Hilal. First, we need to recognize ourselves."