Former Real Madrid manager tips Xabi Alonso for success – ‘His experience will undoubtedly help him’ | OneFootball

The managerial change at Real Madrid this season is more tangible than any on the club’s sidelines in recent years. The reason, primarily, is the stark shift in ideology from the previous coach to the current manager.

While Carlo Ancelotti did scale the highest of highs with the team, his philosophy was not necessarily about playing the best football but churning out wins with moments of individual brilliance.

Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, prioritises the team’s performance in possession, dominance on the field and proactiveness over any individual brilliance, making his system far more intensive and demanding on the players.

Former coach speaks

Speaking to the media in a recent interview via MARCA, former Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui was asked to give his opinion on the recent managerial shift at the club and what he made of the previous coach and his new replacement.

Julen Lopetegui has backed Alonso to succeed at Real Madrid. (Photo by Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Images)

He first began by praising Ancelotti for the work he did at the Spanish capital and the legacy he leaves behind as he heads into a fresh start with the Brazilian national team.

“He has had an extraordinary career and now he has the challenge of coaching one of the best teams in the world like Brazil. I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Lopetegui then gave his two cents on the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new manager and what he made of the former Real Madrid player’s abilities as a manager.

“He is prepared and knows the club. His experience will undoubtedly help him achieve the goals in a club of the highest demand.”

Alonso has got off to a good start in La Liga with his team grinding out two wins in as many games so far. The next set of games, however, will see the team play better-ranked opponents and thus put them to bigger tests.