Real Madrid has already turned the Carlo Ancelotti page. After paying tribute to Mister on Saturday for the last of the season, the Merengues formalized the arrival of Xabi Alonso the next day. Then, the new strong man of Casa Blanca was presented on Monday to the press, under the benevolent gaze of its president Florentino Pérez. The latter also had a few words for the old environment. “Today, you come back to Madrid as a coach of the first team and ready to take up one of the biggest challenges in your life. You will have supporters who will love you and admire yourself. You know the requirements of this club, but I'm sure we will share many joys. Dear Xabi, welcome to you, welcome to Real Madrid. ”
For his part, the former coach of Bayer Leverkusen spoke of his joy at returning to Madrid before exhibiting his plans. “I have an idea of the way we want to play, but the system can evolve. I want the team to send emotion and energy, to play with ambition and create a link with supporters. The symbiosis we are looking for is essential for a good start to the season. I like to develop the potential of each player so that the pieces come together. (…) The idea is how to do, always have control and know what to do. But you have to know how to manage situations, search for pressing and go back if necessary. But the idea of an ambitious and active game, where we know how to take initiatives … We have players for that. ”
The players ask questions
Except that it is not necessarily everyone's opinion. According to our information, several elements of the Madrid group have “concerns” vis-à-vis the new coach we were told. Indeed, they are already asking questions concerning the style of play that Xabi Alonso wishes to set up. Some believe that Real Madrid does not have players to stick to what it wants to do, especially in defense with a modular 3-4-3 in 3-4-2-1. The defense, which is not necessarily helped by the lack of defensive work of certain stars, was one of the weak points of Casa Blanca this season. Speaking to three behind while the team is used to a defense at 4 arouses some questions. But with the transfer window and the reinforcement signatures behind with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, Xabi Alonso will certainly have much more choice than its predecessor.
Another point that made the locker room speak: the treatment reserved for the old ones. A good part of the group did not appreciate the way in which the cases Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric were managed, especially for the Croatian. The latter was initially to prolong his lease for a year but there was a last minute change a few days before the end of the season. Only Dani Carvajal remains among the tauliers. For some, the experience of the ancients was important beyond the green rectangle. The fact that Xabi Alonso has happened from them has been ticked. But the Spaniard was not the only one to decide since the management was not to continue with them either. Ready to put his paw on Real Madrid, the 43 -year -old coach was just chosen for that by Florentino Pérez and his teams. He must bring a breath of fresh air and put a team that has been disappointing on good rails. The players, who have not yet had the opportunity to chat with him, are warned!
