Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso, is determined not to use the team’s shortened pre-season as an excuse ahead of their La Liga opener against Osasuna on Tuesday. This will be Alonso’s first match at the Santiago Bernabeu since taking over the reins from the Carlo Ancelotti era, which ended on a disappointing note for the Spanish giants.
The 2023-24 season saw Madrid secure the Champions League but fall short in La Liga, finishing as runners-up to Barcelona. Their European journey was cut short by Arsenal in the quarter-finals. Despite these setbacks, the team is looking to turn a new page under Alonso, with fresh faces, including the highly anticipated arrival of former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alonso, who previously guided Bayer Leverkusen to a remarkable Bundesliga and German Cup double, shared his perspective on the team’s preparation for the season.
“Obviously, it would have been nice to receive some support with our request, especially for the players’ health… after such a long season and to have a little more preparation time,” Alonso said, referring to Madrid’s request to delay their season opener, which was rejected by Spanish football officials.
The Madrid squad has had just two weeks of training and one pre-season friendly since their 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in July. However, Alonso remains focused on the task at hand.
“There’s no point looking for excuses now,” he added. “We’ve only had two weeks, and we have to get to work. No matter what, we are ready to start our new project.”
Although Alonso declined to make bold promises ahead of the season, he emphasized the importance of action over words.
“I tend to be more of a doer than a talker. So making promises before taking action in football doesn’t usually work,” he explained. “We are working hard, and people are eager. We want to start this new project with new players, a new coach, and bring this energy to the stadium.”
The new season marks a fresh chapter for Madrid, and the club’s supporters are eager for a strong start. Alonso’s pragmatic approach, focusing on hard work and collective effort, aligns with the ambitious goals of both the coach and the players. As Madrid gears up for the season ahead, Alonso’s focus remains on taking each step methodically, with the aim of achieving success by the end of the campaign.
In addition, Alonso fully backed Madrid’s opposition to the proposed La Liga match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami this December. He agreed with the club’s statement, stating that any changes to the competition rules should be unanimously agreed upon by all participants, especially when it comes to giving one team an undue sporting advantage.
