Real Madrid is hurt again, Xabi is already thinking about a plan to stop it

The calendar is once again taking its toll on Real Madrid. The lack of agreement between FIFA, UEFA, and LaLiga regarding the organization of dates has led to an unsustainable situation.

The players are accumulating matches without adequate rest, and clubs, once again, are bearing the consequences. Xabi Alonso, who has just arrived on the white bench, is already working on a plan to protect his squad from physical exhaustion.

The new Club World Cup, held in July, has been the last straw. Although FIFA describes it as a success, the tournament has caused a surge in the number of matches played during the season.

Real Madrid finished with a total of 68 official matches. On top of that, many of its players had international commitments, which has reduced real rest days to a minimum. For this reason, the club has already requested to postpone its league debut, scheduled for August 19, arguing that the minimum 21 days (21 días) of vacation required by FIFPro are not being met.

Rotations and mandatory rest

Xabi Alonso, aware of this overload, has already started working on a model based on constant rotation. The coaching staff will give more prominence to bench players and academy footballers to manage the starters' workload. In addition, they will monitor post-national team efforts and consider limiting the immediate participation of internationals after transoceanic flights, something that already caused conflicts last season.

The work plan in Valdebebas will also include specific recovery sessions, more frequent physical evaluations, and individualized monitoring of each player's muscle condition. All of this aims to prevent muscle injuries and overloads at key moments of the season.

Alarming data among young players

Medical data reinforce this concern. According to a study by FIFPro and the insurer Howden, injury downtime for Under-21 footballers has increased by 187% since 2021. The lack of breaks, shorter preseasons, and the demands of new tournaments are directly impacting the health of younger players.

Meanwhile, FIFA and UEFA are dividing control of the major competitions, and LaLiga refuses to move dates, Real Madrid is acting on its own. Xabi Alonso's goal is clear: to avoid a wave of injuries in a squad that aims for everything. The solution doesn't seem close, but the new coach is already taking measures to withstand a calendar that offers no respite.