Xabi Alonso sends ruthless warning to his Real Madrid players – ‘You won’t play if you…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso has wasted no time laying down the law at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to an update from Cadena SER, the Spanish tactician has sent a firm and unmistakable message to his players: “Those who do not run and those who do not make an effort will not play.”

This message, relayed by journalist Javier Herraez, reveals the high standards Alonso is setting from day one.

Despite being only recently unveiled as Real Madrid’s new boss, Alonso is already demonstrating that reputation and name value will mean little under his leadership. Effort, intensity, and collective commitment will be the pillars of his tenure.

Alonso demands strong effort

Alonso’s approach is rooted in a philosophy of intense pressing and positional discipline, something he refined at Bayer Leverkusen and is now bringing to Madrid.

In fact, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia, who played under Alonso’s pressing-heavy tactics, revealed how the manager demands his forwards to lead the defensive effort, forming the first line of pressure high up the pitch.

Xabi Alonso has warned the Real Madrid players. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

Herraez expanded further, noting that no player will be exempt from these expectations.

“Whoever doesn’t run and whoever doesn’t make an effort won’t be playing, no matter what their name is. If a player saves a run, that’s a yellow card. Do it again, and it’s a red. There is no room for nonsense with Xabi Alonso.”

The message is not limited to outfield players either. Alonso reportedly told the squad that even goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will not be a passive observer.

“You’re not just going to stand there waiting for the ball to be passed to you. You’re going to run and fight for every ball.”

This type of demand signals a significant shift in the club’s tactical identity.

While Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti were known for their control, Alonso is poised to bring in a more aggressive approach, where every player contributes to the defensive phase and pressing game.