A new era started in Real Madrid. After years of success under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, the Merengue club entrusted the reins of its first team to another of its legends, Xabi Alonso. While the team is competing for its first major competition under its direction, the Club World Cup in the United States, all eyes are turned to the changes instilled by the new coach. Asked at a press conference on the eve of the round of 16 against Juventus, Jude Bellingham, the English star of the midfielder, offered a first detailed overview of the “Alonso method”, revealing a significant style difference with his predecessor.
“His energy attracts me”: Bellingham seduced by the Alonso style
What is this fundamental difference between the management of Carlo Ancelotti and that of Xabi Alonso? According to Jude Bellingham, it is not only tactically, but above all in attitude. The Englishman was particularly marked by the dynamism of his new coach. “For me, what attracts me to him is his energy for football. He is very active. He moves, he gets involved to better see and feel the game, “ he explained. A description that contrasts strongly with the quieter image and posed of “Don Carlo” on his bench. Bellingham assures it: “When you see a coach like that, you are attracted to his energy. »»
Control and verticality: the new playing philosophy
This energy is also reflected in the game principles. Bellingham has detailed the instructions of the new Madrid playing master: “With this new style, we want to play between the lines, we want to have control. »» But he specifies that this control must not restrict the team's offensive instinct: “But Xabi says that we should not lose the ability to attack the goal. When we have the opportunity to speed up the game, we want to take advantage of it. »A balance between mastery and verticality that Real Madrid tries to set up.
Bellingham slices between Ancelotti and Xabi: a revealed ditch
After a good start, the big test against Juventus
So far, this new approach has borne fruit. Real Madrid started its course in the club World Cup, ending the undefeated group stage with two victories and a draw. But the first major test for the Real version Xabi Alonso presents itself this Tuesday evening, with a shock against another European giant: Juventus de Turin, in the round of 16 of the competition. This will be an opportunity to see if this new energy can result in a success in a direct elimination match.
A coach close to his players
In conclusion, Jude Bellingham's first words on his new coach depict a change of style and personality on the Madrid bench. If respect for the Ancelotti assessment is immense, the energy and active involvement of Xabi Alonso seem to have already conquered the locker room. Bellingham also praised the human aspect: “Xabi is a very nice person, he has a great way to talk to players. A mixture of energy, tactical clarity and proximity which will be put to the test in the face of Juventus for the first major challenge of the Alonso era.
