There is not much time for Xabi Alonso as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is approaching and President Florentino Perez wants the replacement for coach Carlo Ancelotti to show his talent immediately.

Real Madrid finished the season empty-handed and 'boss' Perez is aiming for the tournament taking place in the US (from June 14 to July 13) as an opportunity for the Spanish Royal team to demonstrate its worth.

Xabi Alonso Enock Kobina Essel.jpg
Xabi Alonso will be without key players like Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius,... in his first training session with Real Madrid to prepare for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: FB Enock Kobina Essel

After being introduced as the new captain of Real Madrid on May 26, as planned, Xabi Alonso will have his first training session with the team next Monday (June 9) to prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Although he has not started yet, Xabi Alonso will soon face a challenge when only 5 first-team players are present, including Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asensio, Fran Gracia, Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo.

The reason is that 11 Real Madrid players are busy with international duty during the FIFA Days in June, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius.

The remaining absentees (9) are due to injury, with some expected to recover in time to play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Specifically, the injured players who will travel to the US with Real Madrid to continue their recovery are Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, Rudiger, Carvajal and Militao. However, Camavinga, Alaba, Mendy and Endrick are not expected to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Xabi Alonso was chosen by Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti, on a 3-year deal. However, there were early concerns for the new Spanish captain when Bernabeu was considered a 'graveyard' for local coaches, none of whom lasted more than a year.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tin-bong-da-xabi-alonso-bat-dau-tai-real-madrid-chi-voi-5-cau-thu-2407839.html