Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid with a firm footing. From his first appearance, in a speech without notes, he appeared excited and convinced that this new era and his project will bring good things for the team. The fight for titles is a given, but the Spanish coach has assured that he arrives with energy and a clear objective to change the image of the team to ignite a fan base that vibrates with their team.
This goal involves changing the way his predecessor did things. Carlo Ancelotti found it extremely difficult to take a chance on young players and stray from the beaten path. He demonstrated this from the start of the season when, faced with multiple defensive injuries, he preferred to move Tchouaméni rather than give a chance to Asencio, who would ultimately become an undisputed starter and key player in defense.
The Italian coach was also heavily criticized for not giving more opportunities to Arda Güler, who in the final stretch of the competition showed what he is capable of and what he can become against Getafe and Celta. In both games, he was key in midfield, found the net, and showed great chemistry with Mbappé, setting him up for a goal against the Galician side.
Xabi Alonso and his commitment to the youth academy
Xabi Alonso began his coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy. He coached Real Madrid’s Under-14s, and many of his players are now in the Under-19s playing under Arbeloa, who is moving up to Castilla and has a good personal relationship with the new first-team coach, so the collaboration between the two should be fruitful. In addition, the Tolosa-born coach has a reputation for being demanding and putting performance before names. It therefore seems that the stage is set for the youth academy to enjoy more opportunities in the first team.
Gonzalo García will go to the World Cup
In this regard, it was reported a few hours ago that Xabi Alonso had decided to take Gonzalo García to the Club World Cup. He is a striker who has shown himself to be a real killer this season under Raúl González at Castilla. It is well known that since Joselu’s departure, there has been talk about the need to sign a pure number 9, a goalscorer who can appear at key moments, and that man could be in the house.
This season, he has played only 53 minutes in three league games, while in the Copa del Rey he played only eight minutes against Leganés, but that was enough to score the last-gasp goal that secured qualification for the Whites. At 21 years of age, he is one of the gems of the youth academy, and decisions will have to be made about him this summer.
The Whites’ killer is attracting suitors in LaLiga
His progress under Raúl González at Castilla has not gone unnoticed. The player is clear that he has reached his ceiling with the reserve team and, if he has no place in the first team, he would consider leaving to continue his development. In recent months, there has been talk that the club is also considering selling 50% of his rights to another club in July. They believe they could get a transfer fee of more than €10 million.
Celta stands out among the list of suitors, as they are big believers in young, national talent. With the team qualifying for the Europa League, Claudio Giráldez needs a large squad and could want the player in his ranks, especially as the future of Borja Iglesias, owned by Real Betis, is still to be decided. Getafe have also shown interest in the Real Madrid striker, and now a new name has been added to the list. OK Diario reports that Osasuna also have him on their agenda.