Xabi Alonso’s tactical blueprint for Real Madrid as he takes charge of first training session | OneFootball

As the FIFA Club World Cup nears, the anticipation for every Real Madrid fan grows astronomically. After all, there is a real sense of excitement over what Xabi Alonso will bring to the table in his first season in charge of Los Blancos.

The Spanish tactician saw great success at Bayer Leverkusen with his dynamic style of play that adapted to the opponents irrespective of what was at stake and many expect him to maintain the same ambitious style of football at Real Madrid.

MARCA, however, go a step further and bring out the details of Alonso’s blueprint at Madrid and what the coach intends to change at the club.

Clear doctrines in place

As per the report, the new manager, who is overseeing his first training session at Real Madrid today, has some clear doctrines about the brand of football he wants his team to play that cannot be compromised and a clear idea of the structure he wishes to advocate.

For starters, Alonso is expected to stick to a 4-3-3 setup, the same formation that Carlo Ancelotti largely stood by during his time at the club. A key difference, however, will be the intent the team are seen projecting.

Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Unlike the version they adopted under Ancelotti where they waited for opposition errors, Alonso hopes to have his team impose themselves on opponents under him with more possession to their name and better build-up sequences from the back.

He also plans to improve players’ pressing off the ball and involvement in the defensive aspect. He will urge his men to provocatively push in midfield and in the final third to force errors from the opponents and actively win the ball back. Controlling central spaces will be the key.

He is also expected to strongly advocate for central progression and creating 1v1 situations for wingers to capitalise on the pace and dynamism his team has on the wings.

The new coach is not expected to make drastic changes in personnel beyond the transfers already completed and has it on his mind to extract the best version of players who have been on a recent slump.

Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo, on that front, are two players he wishes to give a better role should they show their class again.