Real Madrid’s decision to bring Xabi Alonso on board as head coach last May was viewed as a bold move for the storied club. The choice of Alonso, a fresh face in European coaching circles with innovative tactical ideas, raised eyebrows and sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans and analysts alike. Now, nearly eight months into his tenure, it appears Alonso has showcased a much more pragmatic approach than initially anticipated, adjusting his style to fit the realities of the squad and the challenges at hand.
This adaptability was evident during the Supercopa de España final against Barcelona, where Alonso opted for a flexible formation that included a five-man defensive line. This tactical shift indicated a strategic shift away from the previously favored 4-3-3, recognizing that his squad might struggle to exert control over possession against a potent Barcelona side managed by Hansi Flick.
Throughout his illustrious playing career, Alonso learned under some of football’s greatest minds and has often credited them with shaping his understanding of the game. Now, as a coach, he is finding that the lessons gleaned from José Mourinho during his time at Madrid are more applicable than the philosophical ideals of Pep Guardiola cultivated during his spell at Bayern Munich. This shift back to a more defensive setup was reminiscent of Mourinho’s tactics that stifled Barcelona’s famed tiki-taka style in the past.
Alonso’s game plan, though executed in a somewhat conservative manner, proved effective, keeping the match competitive until the very end. Barca ultimately secured the trophy through a late deflected goal by Raphinha, but Madrid had their opportunities to equalize, with Álvaro Carreras and Raúl Asencio unable to convert late chances.
In the aftermath of the match, Alonso acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the competitiveness displayed by his side. “Losing in any way hurts…but we were very competitive,” he remarked, suggesting a focus on resilience and future improvements.
Despite a showing of support from players, questions about Alonso’s long-term position linger, particularly among club president Florentino Pérez, who has expressed some uncertainty about the coach’s fit. However, insiders have indicated that Alonso’s job is secure for now, amidst ongoing evaluations of the squad’s balance and quality.
Real Madrid has made significant investments to enhance their defensive lineup, spending over €120 million last summer on new players. Yet, injuries and inconsistent form have hampered this effort, with only Carreras proving to be a reliable addition so far. Alonso’s recent tactical revisions were also necessitated by the unavailability of key defenders and midfielders, illustrating the challenges he faces in assembling a cohesive team.
The current roster construction has also led to a notable lack of creative midfield options since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. This gap complicates Alonso’s aspirations for controlling games, particularly in high-stakes matches against strong competition like Barcelona.
As for attack strategies, many of Madrid’s foremost attackers tend to occupy similar positions on the front line. The absence of Kylian Mbappe due to injury led Alonso to utilize Gonzalo Garcia as a more traditional center-forward in the final, a decision that allowed Vinicius Junior to operate with greater freedom.
Reflecting on his evolution as a coach, Alonso acknowledged that he has adapted his approaches since the start of the season, stating, “The Xabi who arrived in June is not the same as today. I’ve learned things and adjusted.” This flexibility has garnered support from players, particularly as recent matches have shifted the morale and performance of the team.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed a positive outlook post-match, reinforcing team spirit despite the defeat. “We’re sad today, but tomorrow we’ll get back to work. Today we showed that we’re alive as a team,” he noted, suggesting a readiness to regroup and tackle upcoming challenges.
The path ahead for Alonso remains one of navigating the hurdles posed by injuries and squad dynamics, yet his pragmatic approach has kept him firmly in charge and provided Madrid with a foundation to strive for triumphs in La Liga and other competitions. Whether they can channel this resilience into future victories will be an exciting narrative to follow in the remainder of the season.