THE PRESSURE IS TOO GREAT ON COACH ALONSO
Even living legend Carlo Ancelotti had to admit before leaving Real Madrid that the team urgently needed a change. Real's collection of the world's most prestigious superstars in attack, including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe, ultimately ended the season empty-handed.
In terms of playing style, Ancelotti's Real Madrid has shown almost no noteworthy characteristics. In terms of results, Real Madrid has lost all four El Clasico matches against Barcelona in three different competitions. This means that Ancelotti was right; if he continues in charge (his contract still has one year left), it's highly likely Real will lose the next El Clasico, and may end the season empty-handed again. This is because Real Madrid lacks innovation, even after strengthening their squad with Mbappé. And because, despite foreseeing the consequences, the team hasn't found a way to fill the void left by Toni Kroos in midfield. A new coach, a new philosophy, and a new approach are needed.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe (left ) will participate in the tournament in the United States - PHOTO: REUTERS
Now, Real Madrid enters the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso – the most promising and rising star in the coaching world. Alonso's takeover of Ancelotti's head coach position had been known for a long time, even before the official announcement. His tactical plans had even been discussed while he was still managing Leverkusen. As a former Real Madrid midfielder, Alonso's return to manage his old club is ideal in theory. Furthermore, he has achieved resounding success and gained considerable prestige since transitioning into coaching.
The remaining issue is that, being a former player, Alonso understands Real Madrid very well. The pressure to achieve immediate success at this club is undeniable. And Real Madrid must win titles, especially when people keep repeating the phrase "champion DNA." This phrase is always mentioned when Real Madrid enters two tournaments: the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
DO EVERYTHING... FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Coach Alonso's preferred playing style is clearly evident in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga title win in 2024: ball control, active movement and positional interchange, a foundation built on midfield fluidity, and the key to success lying in the two wing midfielders. In general, all of this is almost a complete contrast to Real Madrid under Coach Ancelotti (who didn't necessarily prioritize ball control, valuing individual talent and the creative qualities of their star forwards).
For coach Alonso, the success or failure of individuals and the team is primarily the result of hard work, leaving no room for luck or improvisation. He carefully observed Mbappe and Vinicius, studying the optimal formula and playing style for these two forwards. He clearly stated that Bellingham is more of a midfielder than a forward, and he clearly saw (from his perspective) why Real Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal.
When Real Madrid strengthened their squad with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, these were signings requested by Alonso even before he joined the club. The club had to buy Alexander-Arnold immediately for €10 million, even though his transfer value would have been zero if they had waited a few more weeks. In addition, Real paid Bournemouth €60 million without negotiation for Huijsen – a buyout clause four times higher than the price paid just a year earlier. This demonstrates just how favorable Alonso's working conditions were at Real Madrid. The story also shows how determined Real Madrid were to win the FIFA Club World Cup to redeem themselves after a disappointing season. Now, fans are simply waiting to see how Alonso's football philosophy will yield concrete results in his debut tournament.
On June 19th, Real Madrid will kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a match against Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia). This will be Alonso's first challenge as head coach of the Spanish royal club 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 were outplayed in the first half but played better in the second. Messi was the focal point of the attacks with a series of dangerous shots, free kicks and assists, but he could not help Inter Miami secure a victory.
Linh Nam
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/real-madrid-mang-adn-vo-dich-den-my-185250615220456809.htm
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