The Real Madrid has taken a decisive step into a new era with the appointment of Xabi Alonso as head coach. Following Carlo Ancelotti's departure, players have encountered a renewed focus in training, where intensity has become the norm. On the morning of last Friday, the white team trained for the fourth time this week, featuring several notable new faces.
Among the newcomers are Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and the recent signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. This group of players had their first experience under Alonso's guidance, who has made it clear that his style will be based on high intensity and total commitment in every training session.
However, not all players are at 100%. Éder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba are in the final stages of recovering from injuries and participated in part of the session with the group. Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy, Endrick, and Eduardo Camavinga are still in earlier stages of their recovery process.
Alonso's arrival has generated an atmosphere of optimism in the locker room, and one player who has shown a change in attitude is Rodrygo. Although his future seemed uncertain, the initial impressions with the new coach have convinced the Brazilian to stay and fight for a place in the team. Conversations with Alonso have been key in Rodrygo's decision to continue his career at the club, at a time when several English clubs are closely monitoring him.
Additionally, the club has made a significant effort to secure the future of its young talents. Franco Mastantuono, an Argentine attacking midfielder, will join the team after the Club World Cup with River Plate. Although it seemed the player was set to sign with Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid intervened at the last moment, and a call from Alonso convinced the 17-year-old to join the white cause.
In this context of changes, there has also been a restructuring in the coaching staff. Antonio Pintus, who had been a key figure in the team's physical preparation, has transitioned to a new role as 'performance manager', stepping away from day-to-day activities on the field. This decision reflects the club's intention to modernize its approach to player performance and preparation.
With all these moves, Real Madrid is gearing up for a new season with the hope that the combination of talent and a renewed focus under Xabi Alonso will lead them to reclaim dominance in Spanish and European football. However, the pressure is on the new coach to prove that his style can lead the team to glory, something that will not be easy in a club with Madrid's history and expectations.