Carvajal reveals what has changed at Real Madrid with Xabi: 'With Ancelotti, it didn't...'

Dani Carvajal has spoken about Xabi Alonso's first months in charge of Real Madrid. The full-back points out that the coaching change has brought clear innovations for the team.

“Each coach has their own methodology. With Ancelotti, we had more freedom. Xabi is stricter, with more discipline”, Carvajal explained. The captain highlights that the schedules and organization have changed in Valdebebas.

More discipline and high press

Carvajal has also pointed out that Xabi asks the team to press higher up the field: “We're working on it and it's already noticeable. The team is keeping the lines closer together and pressing in unison”, he commented.

The full-back understands that the change was necessary: “Ancelotti's cycle had come to an end. Xabi brings freshness and new ideas”, he stated.

In addition, Carvajal values the competition in his position. The arrival of Alexander-Arnold is seen as positive: “Many times, my best moments have come with serious competition. It'll be the same this year. We're different players and that's good for the coach. It's a good problem for everyone”, he affirmed.

Xabi also manages the squad with rotations: “He wants all of us to stay fresh. A player who comes on for half an hour can be decisive if he's fresh. It's good for the team that no one feels undroppable”, Carvajal added.

Maturity and clear objectives

The Madrid-born full-back has returned to the national team after his injury. He acknowledges that he has "the excitement of the first day" in Las Rozas. His objective is clear: the next World Cup.

Carvajal trusts Spain will be a contender: “We've earned it. We're a strong team because of our work and play”, he emphasized.

He also highlights the cohesion that Luis de la Fuente has caused in the national team: “Since the Euros, we're practically a family. We put our talent and ego at the service of the team. There's a solid core, but open to new additions”, he explained.

Carvajal's message is clear. Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso is more disciplined, with intense pressing and balanced rotations. The team keeps quality and leadership, but now with stricter rules and greater demands.

The full-back sees this change as positive and is motivated. Both at the club and in the national team, his objective is to perform at his best and help the projects succeed.