Xabi Alonso is already working as coach of Real Madrid, planning the squad, scheduling the work that will begin on June 9 in Valdebebas, and with a clear idea of what he wants for the team. The first challenge facing the new coach of the white team is the Club World Cup, which the team hopes to win.
The Club World Cup, the first challenge of the Xabi Alonso era
Real Madrid will travel to the United States on June 14 to compete in the Club World Cup, where they will seek to lift the title. The tournament, which will follow the format of a World Cup for national teams, will begin with a group stage that will kick off for the Whites on June 18 at 9 p.m. Spanish time with Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The group stage continues for the Whites on Sunday, June 22, also at 9 p.m., with Real Madrid vs. Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Finally, Xabi Alonso’s side will play their third match on Friday, June 27, at 3 a.m. Spanish time. They will face Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the round of 16, which will be played between June 28 and July 1. The quarter-finals will take place between July 4 and 5, the semi-finals on July 8 and 9, and the final on Sunday, July 13. Reaching that date is Real Madrid’s goal, and they will begin working towards it on June 9 with a skeleton crew.
Injured and international players out of the equation
On June 9, Xabi Alonso will officially begin his journey as coach by leading his first training session at Valdebebas. It will be a session with many absences, as between those called up for international duty and the injured, only five players will be available that day. Without a doubt, one of Xabi Alonso’s tasks will be to ensure that the injury plague suffered this season does not repeat itself.
Real Madrid’s infirmary has been full all season. More than 50 injury reports and 250 missed games have weighed heavily on the team. The line that has suffered the most from this plague of injuries has been the defense, which has been severely depleted throughout the season.
It is therefore no surprise that Real Madrid has moved quickly and prioritized strengthening this area of the field ahead of the Club World Cup. Dean Huijsen has already been confirmed to reinforce the back line, while the club is working on finalizing the signings of fullbacks Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras.
These are key reinforcements, as Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Mendy, and Rüdiger are currently sidelined, and that’s just in defense, as Camavinga and Endrick will also miss the World Cup.
Rüdiger pushes on
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have been out of action all season and are rushing to be fit for the tournament, although it remains to be seen in what condition they will be. Another player working hard to return to the team and become another signing for Xabi Alonso is Rüdiger, who played much of the season with knee problems and finally decided to undergo surgery. The center back is shortening his recovery time from knee surgery and will be available to Xabi Alonso for the second match of the Club World Cup against Pachuca. Initially, he was expected to be out for seven weeks, but after a little over a month, Rüdiger has been working hard in the gym to help the team win the World Cup.