Rodrygo told Xabi Alonso as soon as he arrived in the United States: 'I don't...'

One of the major issues Xabi Alonso had to face upon his arrival as head coach of the first team is Rodrygo Goes. The position of the"11" verdeamarelo has been severelyaffected by the events that have taken place since the 23/24 Copa del Rey final, resulting in no prominence in the last league matches.

The challenge for the Tolosa coach is to keep the Carioca forward committed and involved with the first team, something that seemed difficult at first. However, the change would have been possible according to some sources consulted by journalist Mario Cortegana, information that describes a striking change in Rodrygo's behavior.

According to Valdebebas sources consulted by the journalist from "The Athletic," Xabi Alonso would have managed to get Rodrygo Goes to show a more positive attitude than expected in training sessions. Above all, this is due to the closeness Xabi Alonso has implemented as a mechanism to accommodate the white team player in its new tactical proposals, plans that initially wouldn't benefit him.

Because the Tolosa coach doesn't seem to count on the player for his initial preferred line-up, a 4-4-2 in which Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé would be the undisputed starting forwards. Thanks to this improvement recorded in the last two weeks of training, Rodrygo has made it clear to Xabi Alonso that "I don't want to leave Madrid".

Big challenge ahead

That conviction has considerably motivated the Basque coach, given that Xabi Alonso himself is aware of everything he can contribute. At least in these first matches, he will do so from the bench, a situation that would test his desire to continue being part of Santiago Bernabéu locker room.

To further strengthen Rodrygo Goes's commitment to the first team, even though he doesn't have the status of a starter, Xabi Alonso has been keeping an eye on him. Mario Cortegana notes that the Basque coach has closely followed his progress in training sessions, paying attention to his movements and positively highlighting his tactical improvements.

All these positive reinforcements are designed to ensure the commitment that Rodrygo himself expressed to Xabi Alonso as soon as he arrived in the United States. The Club World Cup is shaping up to be the great opportunity for the "11" verdeamarelo to prove himself, taking a step forward and making the tactical and technical choices of Carlo Ancelotti's successor more difficult.

Xabi Alonso has made it clear, albeit indirectly, that the possibility of taking on a bigger role depends entirely on Rodrygo Goes himself. That's why he has been very alert and has shown closeness with the Brazilian "11", to prevent him from completely disconnecting from the competitive rhythm of the first team... and being forced into a transfer that the Tolosa coach doesn't want.