Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Journey: Overcoming Pressure and Restoring Belief

Xabi Alonso's tenure as Real Madrid's manager begins with high expectations and significant challenges. The former Liverpool midfielder, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24, is already under scrutiny as he prepares for his debut in the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal.

The Pressure of Real Madrid

Real Madrid is a club where success is not just desired but demanded. Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, is well aware of the pressure that comes with managing one of the most successful clubs in the world. The team's recent struggles under Carlo Ancelotti have only heightened the expectations for Alonso to make an immediate impact.

Learning from the Best

Alonso's managerial journey has been shaped by his experiences under some of the greatest coaches in football history. From Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid to Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, Alonso has absorbed a wealth of knowledge. His ability to blend these diverse coaching philosophies is seen as a key asset in his new role.

Building Relationships and Tactical Challenges

One of Alonso's primary objectives is to establish strong personal relationships with his players. His relatively young age, compared to his predecessor, is viewed as an advantage in connecting with the current generation of players. Tactically, Alonso faces the challenge of optimizing the performances of star forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, who have shown signs of incompatibility.

The Role of Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alonso's summer signings include young talents like Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono, but the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool is particularly noteworthy. The 26-year-old is expected to play a crucial role in Alonso's tactical setup, potentially as part of a three-man defensive line.

Restoring Belief

Perhaps the most significant challenge for Alonso is restoring the unshakeable confidence that has traditionally defined Real Madrid. Despite a squad filled with world-class talent, self-belief appeared lacking as the team trailed Barcelona domestically and exited the Champions League against Arsenal last season.

The Path Forward

Alonso's debut against Al-Hilal is a critical first step in his journey. A decisive victory could set the tone for his tenure, helping to lift the team's morale and build momentum for the challenges ahead. As Del Amo aptly puts it, "Making the players continue to believe is the hardest thing. Because belief in football is not for just one day - you have to make the players believe every single day."

Conclusion

Xabi Alonso's appointment as Real Madrid's manager marks the beginning of a new chapter for the club. With a blend of tactical acumen, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the game, Alonso has the potential to lead Real Madrid back to the pinnacle of football. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion and deliver the success that Real Madrid fans crave.