Xabi Alonso Sets Defensive Tone at Real Madrid: “All 11 Players Must Press”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has demanded high pressing and defensive contributions from star attackers Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Kylian Mbappe, with him stressing a new era of work ethic and tactical discipline at Santiago Bernabeu.

WHAT DID XABI ALONSO SAY?

The new Real Madrid manager stated, “In my view, we all have to defend. The 11 players have to press. Vinicius Jr, Jude, Fede Valverde, Mbappe. All of them.” His tactical philosophy relies on every outfield player applying pressure, recovering possession quickly, and supporting high-tempo transitions.

Alonso added: “If the opponent has the ball, there are fewer options for other topics. In my opinion, we have to recover the ball as quickly as possible. If we are in position and press in a block, the only objective is to get the ball back quickly.”

REAL MADRID’S UPCOMING FIXTURES

As Real Madrid face RB Salzburg in their upcoming Club World Cup match, Xabi Alonso will hope to motivate Los Blancos’ star attackers Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe to contribute heavily to his pressing tactics.

Madrid has been by far the most successful team in the history of the competition, winning five of the previous seven tournaments, and they head into this year’s new format championship as favourites to add a sixth global crown to their collection.

Should Madrid succeed, it might bring relief to Alonso following his appointment to lead Real Madrid and there could be a celebration for a first trophy as Galacticos manager. However, the main domestic and continental tests are yet to come for both Madrid and Alonso.

Nevertheless, with Real failing consistently in recent crunch matches and Atletico still alive in both the La Liga and Champions League races, the Madrid fans will be hoping that a winter break, along with the addition of new recruits, can inspire the team to finish the season on a high.