As the Bundesliga season draws to a close, Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Bayer Leverkusen is also coming to an end, marking the beginning of a new chapter with Real Madrid. The Basque coach, who has garnered praise for his tactical acumen and leadership, is set to take on a more daunting challenge at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alonso’s arrival signals not just a change in management but a potential overhaul of the Real Madrid squad. Reports indicate that the new coach has already handed President Florentino Pérez a list of seven players he wants offloaded to pave the way for a fresh and dynamic roster. This decision highlights Alonso’s determination to reshape the team according to his vision and ensure that Real Madrid remains competitive at the highest level.
The players named on Alonso’s list are believed to include some of the club’s long-serving veterans, whose contracts are set to expire soon, as well as a few younger talents who have not quite lived up to expectations. This bold move underscores Alonso’s willingness to make tough decisions in pursuit of success.
Carlo Ancelotti, the outgoing manager, recently expressed his views on the current squad, acknowledging the inconsistency in performance. In a press conference, he stated, “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 Ancelotti’s struggle to rejuvenate a squad filled with aging stars while balancing the development of young prospects. Alonso, however, seems prepared to make the necessary changes to ensure a smoother transition to his preferred style of play.
One of the key aspects of Alonso’s project will be finding the right balance between experience and youth. While veteran players such as Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez are nearing the end of their careers, there are also questions about the futures of players like Rodrygo Goes, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos. Alonso’s approach may involve integrating younger players while preserving a core of experienced leaders to maintain stability.
Another factor influencing Alonso’s decision-making is the upcoming Club World Cup, where Real Madrid’s squad will face formidable international competition. The performances of certain players during this tournament could play a significant role in determining their future at the club. Alonso’s challenge will be to assemble a cohesive unit capable of dominating on the global stage.
Pérez’s willingness to support Alonso’s vision will be crucial. The Real Madrid president is known for his ambition and desire to keep the club at the pinnacle of European football. However, the potential departure of popular and long-standing players could spark controversy among fans. Balancing sporting success with the emotional attachment to club legends will be no easy task.
Alonso’s tactical preferences also raise questions. During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, he favored a balanced, dynamic style of play. Whether he will adopt a similar approach at Madrid or lean towards the traditional 1-4-3-3 formation commonly associated with Ancelotti remains to be seen. The outcome of these decisions could shape the team’s identity for years to come.
Ultimately, Alonso’s readiness to reshape Real Madrid demonstrates his commitment to modernizing the squad while staying true to the club’s winning philosophy. His clear and decisive approach might be exactly what the team needs to regain its dominance in La Liga and Europe.
Fans will be keenly observing the first few months of Alonso’s reign, hoping that his vision and strategic acumen will reinvigorate the team. As the dust settles from his bold decision to list seven players for sale, the focus will inevitably shift to who will come in to fill their boots. One thing is certain: Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid era is set to be an intriguing and transformative journey.
