Xabi Alonso has stated that he wants his team to demonstrate their skills on the field instead of merely discussing them. Real Madrid will kick off their LaLiga season at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.
Alonso is a fan favorite from his time as a player, but he now has a significant task ahead: to bring back trophies after Madrid ended last season without any major wins. In his first tournament as coach, the Club World Cup, Real suffered a 4–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals last month.
Last season, under Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid finished four points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, exited the Champions League in the quarterfinals, and lost the Copa del Rey final to Barca.
“I’m more about doing than talking,” Alonso mentioned. “Promises don’t win games. We want to start that journey tomorrow. We’re excited, and we aim to bring that energy to the stadium and earn the fans’ support.”
To strengthen the defense, Madrid has signed right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, young center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and left-back Alvaro Carrera from Benfica. These additions are aimed at addressing the defensive problems that hindered Madrid’s title chase last year.
Dani Carvajal, who is recovering from an ACL injury, is included in the squad to face Osasuna. “We have great competition in every position,” Alonso stated. “Sometimes I’ll need to rotate. Carvajal is getting closer to his best, and that’s fantastic for the team.”
Madrid will be without Antonio Rüdiger (suspended) and injured players Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and forward Endrick.
Alonso also supported the club’s position against playing a Barcelona–Villarreal league match in Miami in December. Real believes it could undermine fair competition and plans to request soccer’s governing bodies to prevent it. The match on December 20 was approved by Spain’s federation, but it still requires approval from UEFA, U.S. Soccer, CONCACAF, and FIFA.
“I agree with the club,” Alonso said. “If rules are going to change, every team in the league must agree. Otherwise, it shouldn’t happen.
