The new manager of Real Madrid Xabi Alonso was presented on Monday and promised the fans, joy and excitement. However, he also underwent his first study in the press room in the Santiago Bernabeu, and was asked for more details about how he would approach things with a real Madrid side that was defined by the lack of balance this season.
In terms of what this Real Madrid side had to turn, the Basque manager explained the press that he had performed all his analysis of the team, but gave little away about his conclusions.
“I have analyzed what the team played, how the players are and I use it to inform my own ideas. As coaches we are dependent on the players, and I think they are first -class. The challenge is to build a team, let go of the potential of these players, and for all of us to come together. We have a very powerful power.”
A more open question was how his side would play and what kind of formation he was inclined to use.
“It's a good question, and I like it because today's football requires flexibility and dynamics. It requires that you move your pieces. I have an idea of how we want to play, but the system can change. There is no fixed image or formation, an attacker can become a midfielder, and a two can become three or even five.”
“I want the team to convey emotion and energy, play ambitious and make contact with the fans. The symbiosis we are looking for is essential for a good start to the season. I like to be the potential of each player to fit the pieces together.”
More specifically, Alonso was questioned whether his side would put the pressure high on the field, as his Bayer Leverkusen -side often did.
“What I like is that we know how to choose our moments. With the idea of knowing how to do it, always have control and know what to do. But you have to know how to tackle different situations, find high pressure and withdraw when needed. But the idea of an ambitious and active game, who knows how to take the initiative … we have players for that.”
Another of the items at the top of the agenda is the best from Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. Although both performed well in stretching exercises, in particular the Frenchman, they struggled to combine, and that issue was even more prominent with regard to Rodrygo.
“It is a blessing that we have players of that caliber. Not only Kylian or Vinicius, but so many others. They are differential players, they make the difference, and we have to get everything they have. I have ideas before we come together with them. But for me communicating what we want is very important. They are the task.”
Real Madrid had the best defense in Spain last season and at a distance. But this year Los Blancos admitted 38 goals, one per match, in La Liga. A problem worsened in the big matches, where Barcelona scored 16 times in four games against Real Madrid.
“I have watched and analyzed the games. Now I am thinking about how you can build a balanced team. So that we all know how we want to do things. That will give us a stability that can flourish individual qualities.”
His predecessor Carlo Ancelotti was always cast as an expert Manmanager, and Alonso was asked if he was more methodically minded, or was also aimed at close to the players.
“I usually don't like to describe myself, but I need proximity and closeness with the players. I need that connection to feel how the team is doing and what every player needs. I know what I do; I know I am the coach. I like to be close to them.”