Real Madrid Confidencial The 5 big ideas Xabi Alonso wants to implement at Real Madrid: radical change
Xabi Alonso will impose his style at Real Madrid to avoid the mistakes of the past
Xabi Alonso has already had the first training session with Real Madrid this Monday. This was the first contact for the Tolosa native with some players, although the internationals were still missing. Even so, from the very beginning, he's going to make his guidelines as the Merengue coach clear.
He has 5 major ideas that he's going to implement at Real Madrid to shape his project. The first would be about the system used, since there has been speculation about using 3 center-backs. However, everything seems to indicate that the 4-3-3 formation will be the starting setup for the Merengue squad.
Ancelotti has alternated that scheme with one featuring four midfielders to enhance Bellingham. However, the Tolosa native wants there to be 3 men in midfield, and to have more width in attack with players on the wings. Although injuries and new signings could lead to changes in that decision.
In fact, that formation will allow for another of his main principles for Real Madrid this season. He wants to create more 1-on-1 situations for the wingers so they can take on defenders. This would mean not crowding players in one area and clearing out space to exploit the dribblers.
Changes compared to Ancelotti's Real Madrid last year
After Mbappé's arrival and Kroos's departure, Ancelotti prioritized fast and direct attacks. He believed that was the most suitable way to play with the players they had in the squad. However, Xabi Alonso will seek to change that in order to have more control over the matches.
He wants them to be the ones who set the tempo through possession,building play from the back. That's why he has asked the board to sign a midfielder with those characteristics. For his game plan, it's going to be essential to have someone with those qualities.
Finally, he wants the team to press high and control the central spaces of the field. This was something that failed this season and allowed opponents to advance easily. He also wants to prioritize central progression when attacking.
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