Real Madrid Confidencial Bayer player warns Real Madrid: 'Xabi Alonso is very approachable, but...'
Alejandro Grimaldo was asked about Xabi Alonso's role with the players
Real Madrid is already planning their new era with Xabi Alonso at the helm. In recent hours, one of the names strongly rumored to strengthen the left-back position has spoken about the coach.
Alejandro Grimaldo, a key piece for the Bundesliga champion, spoke about the coach from Tolosa in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE. The full-back sent a clear message to the future players of the Basque manager: with Xabi Alonso, there's no room for relaxation.
Alejandro Grimaldo's words about Xabi Alonso
Alejandro Grimaldo doesn't hold back praise for his current coach, although he makes it clear that his level of demand is at its highest. "He's a very approachable coach. He's strict when he needs to be", he commented.
"He doesn't want people to relax", he assured. Despite the good relationship between the two since his arrival at Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso doesn't hesitate to point out what he doesn't like. "He gives you a warning if he thinks you can give more and you're not giving it", he exclaimed.
This technical profile of Xabi Alonso fits the type of coach Real Madrid was looking for to start a new cycle after Carlo Ancelotti's era. The choice of a young coach, with a clear idea of play and a firm personality, sent a clear message to the Bernabéu squad.
More about Xabi Alonso
In the tactical section, Alejandro Grimaldo also revealed that the ball is the central focus of the training sessions led by the coach from Tolosa. "A lot of ball, a lot of ball", the Spanish full-back repeated emphatically.
Although physical preparation isn't neglected, Xabi Alonso's playing approach is based on possession and tactical work with the ball. "He makes sure everyone is focused on what we have to do and on the idea he has", he explained.
"He was a player and he knows that the day before a match you have to be in your own world. He doesn't get involved there. He always tries to make the player and the team better in what he believes needs to be improved", Alejandro Grimaldo concluded.
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