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Xabi Alonso Faces Pressure as Real Madrid Era Begins at Club World Cup

Posted : 18 June 2025

Xabi Alonso’s managerial reign at Real Madrid officially begins with their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal, but the former midfielder is already under intense scrutiny. Having only recently taken the reins, Alonso had minimal time to prepare due to injuries and international call-ups, which left him with just three senior players during his initial training session. Despite these challenges, expectations remain high, as Real Madrid is a club where instant success is not a hope but a demand.

 

Alonso’s coaching journey has been shaped by elite influences, having played under legends such as Mourinho, Guardiola, Ancelotti, and Benitez. His success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year Bundesliga dominance, has convinced Real Madrid’s hierarchy that he is capable of restoring the team’s competitive edge.

 

 Yet, pressure looms large; Alonso must overcome a long-standing trend of Spanish coaches struggling at the Bernabeu and deliver trophies without delay.

 

Aiding his cause is his relative youth and connection to the current generation of players. At 43, Alonso is closer in age to his squad than his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti was, allowing for stronger bonds and potentially better man-management.

 

According to Victor Sanchez del Amo, Alonso's history as a respected player and tactical awareness gives him a unique advantage in gaining player trust and fostering belief—something sorely missing from a squad that finished last season in Barcelona's shadow and exited the Champions League with a whimper.

 

Tactically, Alonso is expected to implement a three-man defense reminiscent of his success with Leverkusen. New signings like Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono represent the club’s future, while Trent Alexander-Arnold could make his debut, although he’ll face stiff competition from returning veteran Dani Carvajal.

 

 Alonso’s most pressing tasks include managing the dynamic between star forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe and rebuilding confidence within the team. A strong performance against Al-Hilal would go a long way in signaling that Real Madrid's new chapter under Alonso is off to a promising start.

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