In his first major press conference as the new head coach of Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has wasted no time in stamping his authority on the squad, sending a clear and uncompromising message to his star-studded team: under his leadership, there will be no passengers. The former midfield maestro, now tasked with returning the club to the pinnacle of European football, has declared that every single player, regardless of their status, must contribute defensively.
The statement serves as a distinct break from the approach of his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti. Last season, a campaign that ended without a major trophy, was marred by inconsistencies and a perceived lack of defensive work rate from the team’s forwards. Alonso has made it abundantly clear that this will not be tolerated on his watch.
The Non-Negotiable: Collective Defensive Responsibility
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Club World Cup clash against RB Salzburg, Alonso outlined his core philosophy. He stressed that the foundation of his team will be built on collective effort and that the era of forwards being exempt from defensive duties is over.
“What I am certain of is that we need and want everyone to defend — the 11 players on thepitch have to be involved defensively. They have to get close together, they have to know how we want to press, and without that, things will be very complicated.”
Alonso specifically named his key attacking talents, leaving no room for doubt about who the message was for. “Vini, Jude (Bellingham), Fede (Valverde), Kylian, those up front, the defence has to push forward too,” he stated, emphasizing that the entire team structure must work in unison. This is a direct philosophical shift from Ancelotti, who famously said last season that he was not concerned if Mbappe pressed, preferring the French superstar to focus solely on his prolific goalscoring. While that approach yielded an incredible 43 goals for Mbappe in his debut season, the team’s overall defensive fragility was often exposed, a weakness Alonso is determined to fix.
Player Management: Handling the Stars
Beyond his tactical philosophy, Alonso also provided key updates on some of his most important players, demonstrating a management style that is both demanding and supportive.
Kylian Mbappe’s Fitness: The French forward will miss the upcoming match against Salzburg as he continues his recovery from a stomach bug. Mbappe, who missed the first two games of the tournament, has only just returned to training. Alonso revealed a candid conversation with the player, showing his collaborative approach.
“I was happy to see him on the (training) pitch… he’s doing well, but not enough to play tomorrow with the level that we need,” Alonso explained. “He said it himself when we spoke after training, he prefers to be ready for the last 16.”
This insight shows a coach who values player feedback while making the final call based on the team’s needs.
Rodrygo’s Role and Future: The Brazilian forward was surprisingly left on the bench for Madrid’s recent 3-1 win over Pachuca, immediately sparking transfer speculation and rumors of his potential departure. Alonso moved quickly to quash these rumors, offering a strong public backing of the player. “He’s doing well, he’s enthusiastic, it was a technical decision (to bench him) the other day, but Rodrygo is still an important player, we will need him in this Club World Cup,” Alonso affirmed. “He’s a special player and he will have a big role at this tournament.” This public vote of confidence is crucial in managing squad morale and reassuring a key player of his value amidst media speculation.
Conclusion: A New Era of Accountability
Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu signals a clear cultural reset. His opening statements are not just about tactics; they are about establishing a new standard of accountability and collective responsibility. By demanding that global superstars like Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham commit fully to the defensive side of the game, he is making it clear that no individual is bigger than the team. Last season’s trophy drought has created a mandate for change, and Alonso is using it to build a more resilient, balanced, and unified squad.
His message is simple but powerful: the path back to winning major trophies will be paved not just by goals and flair, but by the hard work and sacrifice of all eleven players on the pitch. The Galácticos are being put on notice—under Xabi Alonso, everyone works for the badge.
