Real Madrid’s manager, Xabi Alonso, expressed on Monday his desire for his team’s performance to speak for itself as he embarks on his inaugural La Liga season at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.
Alonso, the former Bayer Leverkusen coach beloved by Real fans for his successful playing career at the Bernabeu and with Spain, is tasked with revitalizing a Madrid squad that concluded last season without any major titles.
In the Club World Cup, Alonso’s first tournament as Real’s coach, they were eliminated by Paris St Germain with a 4-0 loss in the semi-final last month.
Under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, Real finished four points behind La Liga winners Barcelona and failed to defend their Champions League title after being knocked out in the quarterfinals. They also lost the Copa del Rey final to their fierce rivals, Barca.
“I’m more about doing than talking,” Alonso stated to reporters. “Promising before acting doesn’t usually work in football. Just saying it won’t make it happen. We want to start on that path tomorrow.”
“We are really excited and want to channel that energy into the stadium and gain the fans’ support.”
Alonso has strengthened Real’s defense by bringing in England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, along with Bournemouth’s 20-year-old Spanish center-back Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carrera from Benfica.
These additions aim to resolve last season’s defensive issues that hindered Real’s title ambitions. Defender Dani Carvajal, gradually returning after last season’s ACL injury, has been included in Real’s squad to face Osasuna.
“It’s great competition for the players, and I love that we have two capable players for each position,” Alonso commented. “I will need to rotate. Carvajal is nearing his best form, which is fantastic for the team.”
However, Real will miss Antonio Ruediger (suspended), injured left-back Ferland Mendy, midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, and forward Endrick.
Alonso also addressed Real’s objection to the proposed Barcelona-Villarreal LaLiga match in Miami in December.
Real have cautioned that the plan could disrupt football’s competitive balance and have pledged to appeal to soccer’s governing bodies to prevent the move.
The December 20 match, approved by the Spanish Football Federation last week, could become the first LaLiga match held overseas and the first European league game in the United States. It requires approval from UEFA, US Soccer, CONCACAF, and FIFA.
“I fully support the club’s (Real’s) statement. Any rule changes must be unanimously agreed upon by all league participants. Otherwise, it cannot proceed,” Alonso stated.
