A man in a dark suit is being interviewed by the press in front of a bus with the Real Madrid logo while several people watch in the background.
Xabi Alonso speaking into a microphone | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Xabi Alonso's response on whether he's already decided his starting eleven at Real Madrid

The coach from Toulouse talks about the starting eleven he will present in his debut at Real Madrid

by

Borja Díaz

Real Madrid will make its debut this coming Wednesday, June 18, in the Club World Cup taking place in the United States. It will also be Xabi Alonso's first match as the Merengue coach. Many eyes will be on the decisions the Basque coach might make.

Especially before the opening whistle, when he announces the starting eleven for his debut. There are major questions, such as whether the new signings, Trent and Huijsen, will start or be on the bench. There's also the matter of the tactical setup he will use in his official debut with Real Madrid on the sidelines.

Soccer coach giving instructions on a training field, wearing a dark sports jersey with a club crest in the background.
Xabi Alonso giving orders during a training session | Real Madrid Confidencial

Maximum uncertainty that, for now, won't be solved if we pay attention to Xabi's words. Upon his arrival in the United States, he was asked about the starting line-up. He didn't give a single hint about who might be included in the line-up he will present.

"It's still early," admitted the Basque coach, who has barely had any training sessions with the team. "Everything needs to be sped up because we have very little time to get to know each other and to train," he continued. He hasn't had the full squad available in any session so far.

Xabi Alonso has few days to decide his starting eleven

The last to join training are Arda Güler, Vinicius, and Lunin, who are joining directly in the United States. Xabi Alonso will have to see how they've returned after playing with their national teams. He will have to decide if he sees them ready to start.

Two players train on a soccer field with yellow mannequins and a ball while the sun shines and the grass is well maintained.
Xabi Alonso with Rodrygo during a training session | Real Madrid TV

This is especially true for the Brazilian and the Turk, who have accumulated minutes that could send them to the bench. It's essential for Xabi to check how they return before putting together a starting eleven. Although he might have some ideas, he hasn't wanted to give away any clues ahead of time.

This Wednesday is when we'll see which starting eleven Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid will field. It will be the first contact with this project that has caused so much excitement among Madridists. Although he has barely had time to work with the squad on what he wants from each of them.

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