TOO MUCH PRESSURE FOR COACH ALONSO
Even living legend Carlo Ancelotti admitted before leaving Real Madrid that the team urgently needed a change. The world's most prestigious collection of superstars in Real's attack line with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe ended the season empty-handed.
In terms of playing style, Coach Ancelotti's Real has shown almost no remarkable traits. In terms of results, Real have lost all 4 El Classico matches against Barcelona in 3 different tournaments. That means Coach Ancelotti is right, that if he continues to coach (his contract still has 1 year left), there is a high possibility that Real will lose again in the next El Classico match, and may end up empty-handed again next season. Because Real has no new traits, even after strengthening Mbappe. And because this team, despite foreseeing the consequences, still cannot find a way to fill the void left by Toni Kroos in midfield. There must be a new coach, a new philosophy and a new way of doing things.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe (left ) will participate in the tournament in the US - PHOTO: REUTERS
Now, Real Madrid enter the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso - the most promising and rising face in the coaching world. Mr. Alonso's takeover of the head coach position from Mr. Ancelotti was known long before everything was officially announced. Even Alonso's professional plan was discussed when he was still leading Leverkusen. As a former Real midfielder, Alonso's return to lead his old club is too good in theory. On the other hand, he has been a resounding success, with great prestige right from the beginning of his coaching career.
The remaining problem is that, as a former player, Mr. Alonso understands Real very well. The pressure to succeed immediately at this team is unquestionable. And Real must have a title, especially when people keep repeating the phrase "Championship DNA". This phrase is always mentioned when Real enters two tournaments: Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
DO EVERYTHING... FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Coach Alonso's preferred style of play was clearly identified by Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga title win in 2024, which is to control the ball, actively move and switch positions, with the smoothness of the midfield as the foundation and the key to success lies in the two wingers. In general, all are almost completely opposite to Real under coach Ancelotti (not necessarily controlling the ball, focusing on individual talent and creative qualities in super strikers).
For Coach Alonso, the success or failure of individuals and the team is first and foremost the result of work, with no room for luck or improvisation. He has carefully studied Mbappe and Vinicius, pondering the formula and optimal playing style for these two strikers. He clearly expressed his view that Bellingham is more of a midfielder than a striker, and he has clearly seen (in his view) why Real was eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal.
When Real Madrid strengthened Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, those were contracts that Alonso requested before he came to work at Real. The club had to buy Alexander-Arnold immediately for 10 million euros, even though if they waited a few more weeks, this player would have a transfer fee of 0. In addition, Real paid 60 million euros to Bournemouth without negotiating to get Huijsen. That was the contract purchase price, 4 times higher than the purchase price just 1 year before. How good are Alonso's working conditions at Real. The story also shows how determined Real is to win the FIFA Club World Cup to make up for a failed season. Now, fans just have to wait to see how Alonso's football philosophy will bring specific results, in his debut tournament.
On June 19, Real will open their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia). This will be Alonso's first challenge as head coach of the Spanish Royal team in an official tournament.
The opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ between Inter Miami (USA) and Al Ahly (Egypt) yesterday (June 15) ended in a 0-0 draw. Inter Miami was outplayed in the first half but improved in the second half. Messi was the focal point of the attack with a series of dangerous shots, free kicks and assists, but could not help Inter Miami win.
Lingnan
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/real-madrid-mang-adn-vo-dich-den-my-185250615220456809.htm
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