Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with an immediate challenge in the form of the Club World Cup and without much time for changes to take root. Even so, the coach led the team to the semi-finals, showing glimpses of what the team could become, but against PSG it became clear that the team has weaknesses that need to be addressed.
“I’m leaving with certainties. This match, this championship has told me a lot about who we are and what we need to improve. I’m leaving with a plan for next year because of the players we’re going to get back. This is the last match of the 24/25 season and in August we’ll start the 25/26 season, which will be a little different. We’re starting from scratch,” said Xabi Alonso at the post-match press conference. “We want to build a team that plays as a unit and has that feeling and spirit. The World Cup has been very demanding, we’ve been knocked out in the penultimate round, it hurts, and now we’ll see what happens,” he said.
No doubts in goal
Between the sticks, the Real Madrid coach has stuck with Thibaut Courtois throughout the World Cup, who has once again proven that he is a safe pair of hands. Lunin did not play a single minute, making it clear that the situation will remain the same next season, so he could look for a move to a team where he will have more playing time. In that case, Real Madrid will have to decide whether to bet on the youth academy as competition for the Belgian or turn to the transfer market.
In defense, Xabi wants a center back
Defense has been a headache throughout the season, and the same has been true for Xabi Alonso. The coach has opted for newcomer Dean Huijsen, which has been a great move in the center of defense, where Asencio has failed miserably, losing all the confidence and respect he gained during the season. On the other hand, Rüdiger returned, but not 100% fit, and he also made a costly mistake. Eder Militao had his first minutes and it remains to be seen what condition he is in after so many months out. Meanwhile, Alaba is nowhere to be seen. He is perpetually injured, on a very high salary and his contract expires next summer.
The coach is clear that a more reliable name is needed, and that name could be Konaté. The player is coming to Real Madrid, but it remains to be seen when and how. Will it be for free next summer or will Liverpool demand the €50 million they want? Also on the radar is an old acquaintance of Xabi Alonso, Piero Hincapié, who can also play at full-back.
Midfield is a problem
Throughout the season, Toni Kroos’ absence in midfield has been noticeable. No one has been able to replace the German since his departure. Xabi Alonso has opted for Arda Güler, who, while he has made it clear that he has undeniable talent as a playmaker, lacks the necessary defensive skills, which he is working on. Ceballos has barely featured, while Camavinga is also out with injury and has yet to show Xabi Alonso what he is capable of. Bellingham will be out for months after his operation, while Valverde and Tchouaméni have other roles to play that do not involve being an organizing midfielder.
Real Madrid has been scouting the market for some time, but the problem is that the players who really stand out for the position are either unavailable or have a price tag of over $100 million, which is too high an investment. Florentino cannot conceive of any other second-tier names, as he does not want to invest in someone who is not convincing.
Revolution in attack
During the Club World Cup, Gonzalo García broke into the first team with an outstanding performance in the absence of Mbappé. The youth player could be the number 9 the team was looking for, which could mean a revolution in the attack, where Endrick was expected to leave, but he wants to stay and fight for his place. The two seem incompatible, so the youth player’s departure cannot be ruled out given the interest from the Premier League.
The Vinicius-Mbappé partnership does not seem to be working either. The Brazilian is under scrutiny and has yet to agree a new contract, with Saudi Arabia once again knocking on the door with a big offer. A big offer is also expected for Rodrygo, who is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans.