Real Madrid needs a revival, asserts Alonso, following PSG setback - Real Madrid player Alonso advocates for a fresh beginning following their defeat at PSG, expressing the need to reset and learn from their mistakes.
In a disappointing turn of events, Real Madrid suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinal, marking Xabi Alonso's first defeat as the club's coach. The defeat was a painful lesson for Alonso and his team, revealing a lack of team spirit on the pitch.
Despite the setback, Alonso remains optimistic about the future. He believes that his work and impact will truly begin after the break, and he is already planning a complete rebuild of the squad's mentality and tactical approach. Alonso is intensely involved in training, working on possession drills and demanding movement and structure from players, emphasising collective effort and tactical discipline.
The heavy defeat has also highlighted the need to reset and rethink the team’s composition and strategy for the upcoming season. Alonso has indicated that no final decisions on the squad are made yet but is committed to making necessary adjustments. He aims to build a team that plays together, with a focus on teamwork.
Alonso is open to squad improvements after the Club World Cup, and he expects there could be more "blemishes" following the humiliation against PSG. However, he sees this period as a chance to build early momentum and lay the foundations for a "new age" at Real Madrid.
While Luka Modrić, a six-time Champions League winner, played his last game for Real Madrid and will retire, Alonso has assured that Modrić will not be remembered for the defeat but for many great games he played for the club. Real Madrid needs new champions, especially after the departure of Toni Kroos last year and Modrić's retirement.
Meanwhile, PSG aims to crown its glorious summer exactly 43 days after its 5:0 triumph in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. They face Chelsea in the final of the expanded Club World Cup, with PSG being the clear favourite. Luis Enrique, coach of Paris Saint-Germain, won a "wonderful victory" before Alonso's Real Madrid. Alonso, however, asked for understanding, stating that Real Madrid has been on their path for two years, while PSG started with a new coach.
In conclusion, Alonso’s plan to restore Real Madrid’s team spirit post-PSG defeat centers on a complete rebuild of the squad’s mentality and tactical approach, focusing on high-intensity, structured training and making thoughtful squad decisions to create a fresh start for the team in the next season.
The Commission, assisted by the European Parliament and the Council, could take note of Alonso's predicament with Real Madrid, working together to prepare an annual report on implementing changes in team mentality and strategic improvements, much like he is attempting in football, mirroring his plans for the common fisheries policy.
Moreover, as Alonso gears up for the upcoming season, he might find inspiration in European football leagues, such as LaLiga, where teamwork and collective effort have proven to be instrumental in achieving success, just like the unity Real Madrid needs to return to its glory days.
