Real Madrid Confidencial Xabi Alonso, not mincing words, announces drastic changes at Madrid: 'Now...
'The World Cup has told me many things about who we are and what we need to improve,' the coach concluded
The days following the tough defeat suffered in the Club World Cup semifinals are difficult to manage. Xabi Alonso's press conference right after the match has shown this, with statements in which he reveals some plans for the future of the Merengue team.
Absolute sincerity
Xabi Alonso spoke firmly after Real Madrid's tough defeat against PSG (4-0). The Blancos coach didn't hide. He faced the media and made it clear there will be consequences.
"Now I know certain things for sure," he said. "I know some facts. There will be changes."
Real Madrid was outplayed from start to finish in New Jersey. PSG struck early and left the Blancos unable to react. Alonso didn't look for excuses: “The start of the match was decisive. PSG are at a great level. We've only had a short time. We need to work calmly”.
A bitter ending, but also a starting point
The coach wanted to make it clear that this match isn't the start of next season, but the end of a stage. “What happened today is good for us to know what we still need to improve. We're in a competitive context with hardly any training. Now it's time to stop, but we'll be back in four weeks”, he explained.
In that sense, Alonso assured that he already has many things clear: “I'm leaving with certainties. This championship has told me a lot. About what we are, about what we need to improve. In August we start 2025-26. It'll be different”.
The coach also had words for two legends who are saying goodbye: Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez. “It's not the best farewell, but I've tried to make sure they enjoy their last days at the club. I want to thank them for what they've been for Madrid”, he stated.
Signings, mistakes, and self-criticism
Xabi Alonso hinted that the club will be active in the market. “We haven't talked during the World Cup about the squad composition, but we're always thinking about improving. There's room”.
He also acknowledged tactical mistakes and decisions that didn't work. “Without a doubt, I made a mistake by putting in so many strikers. It's the first defeat, but it won't be the last. We need to accept it”.
The thrashing against PSG was a reality check. Xabi Alonso doesn't hide. “We need to be self-critical, but not let this ending drag us down. It's time to reset and start again”.
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