Xabi Alonso Ready to Let Actions Speak as Real Madrid Prepares for LaLiga Opener
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is set to embark on his first LaLiga campaign with a home match against Osasuna on Tuesday, emphasizing that he prefers his team’s performance on the pitch to do the talking. Alonso, who enjoys a legendary status among Real fans from his trophy-laden playing days, is determined to revitalize a squad that ended last season without any major silverware.
After a disappointing exit in the Club World Cup, where Real Madrid suffered a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Alonso is eager to turn the tide. Last season, the team finished four points behind LaLiga champions Barcelona and failed to defend their Champions League title, exiting in the quarter-finals and losing the Copa del Rey final to their bitter rivals.
“I’m more about doing than talking,” Alonso stated in a press conference. “Making promises before you act doesn’t usually work in football. Just saying it is not going to make it happen. We want to start down that path tomorrow.”
To bolster the squad’s defensive capabilities, Alonso has brought in notable reinforcements, including England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, young Spanish centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and left-back Alvaro Carrera from Benfica. These additions aim to address last season’s defensive struggles that hampered Real’s title bid.
Dani Carvajal, who is returning from an ACL injury, has been included in the squad for the match against Osasuna. “It’s great competition for the players, and I love that we have two who can play in each position,” Alonso noted. “Sometimes I will have to rotate. Carvajal is getting closer and closer to his best, and that’s very good for the squad.”
However, Real will face challenges as they will be without defender Antonio Ruediger (suspended), injured left-back Ferland Mendy, and midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham, along with forward Endrick.
Alonso also addressed Real Madrid’s stance on the proposed Barcelona-Villarreal match scheduled to take place in Miami this December. The club has expressed concerns that such a move could undermine the competitive balance of LaLiga and plans to petition soccer’s governing bodies to block it.”I very much agree with the club’s statement,” Alonso remarked. “If the rules are to be changed, it must be by unanimous agreement of all the participants in the league. Otherwise, it cannot be done.”
