Xabi Alonso Transforms Real Madrid Players Training, Tactics, Club World Cup

Since taking over as Real Madrid manager in late May 2025, Xabi Alonso has made a significant impact with his proactive coaching style and tactical innovations during the Club World Cup in the United States. Alonso has been hands-on in training, personally working with key players like Kylian Mbappe to enhance their match sharpness and adaptability, while also intensifying sessions compared to his predecessor. His tactical approach includes a hybrid 3-5-2 formation that redefines player roles, exemplified by Trent Alexander-Arnold's role as a hybrid wing-back who has become central to Madrid’s build-up play. Alonso's strategic use of cooling breaks during matches provides crucial opportunities to give clear, focused instructions, helping Real Madrid remain unbeaten in the tournament so far. His in-game adjustments, such as allowing Jude Bellingham freedom to roam and creating spaces for Federico Valverde to exploit, have been pivotal in Real Madrid's victories, including a narrow win against Juventus. Overall, Alonso’s emphasis on collective improvement, rigorous training, and intelligent tactics is steering Real Madrid through a promising Club World Cup campaign.