Quick Read
- Xabi Alonso had a direct, honest conversation with Florentino Perez after Real Madrid’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
- Alonso stressed the need for tactical and psychological improvement, especially in away matches against top teams.
- Alvaro Carreras, signed at Alonso’s insistence, has become a defensive mainstay, outperforming expectations.
- Despite setbacks, both Alonso and Perez see the current challenges as opportunities for team growth and resilience.
Xabi Alonso Faces the Anfield Aftermath: Honest Words and Clear Lessons
In the wake of Real Madrid’s narrow defeat to Liverpool at Anfield—a loss decided by Alexis Mac Allister’s solitary goal—the spotlight has turned toward manager Xabi Alonso. For a club accustomed to Champions League triumphs, another setback in England is not just a statistic, but a story of evolving ambitions and unfinished business.
Alonso, in his first high-profile season at the helm, found himself in the crosshairs of both fans and club leadership. Publicly, he downplayed the result, focusing on the positives in his side’s performance. But privately, according to Defensa Central, Alonso offered Florentino Perez, the club’s president, a candid assessment. Perez, who observed the match from Spain, wanted answers: why did Real Madrid fade after halftime, and what’s missing in their away performances?
Alonso’s response was frank. “We’re lacking that spark away from home against the big teams… but we’ll get it,” he reportedly told Perez. The manager emphasized not only tactical improvements but also the psychological growth needed for high-pressure encounters far from the Bernabéu. It was a rare moment of transparency in the high-stakes world of elite football.
Strategic Faith: Alonso’s Choices and the Rise of Alvaro Carreras
While the Anfield defeat exposed certain vulnerabilities, it also highlighted the strategic vision Alonso brings to Madrid. One of the clearest examples is his faith in Alvaro Carreras. As detailed by Madrid Universal, Alonso insisted on signing Carreras from Benfica, even though the club already had established options in Fran García and Ferland Mendy. Carreras, still young and untested at the elite level, seemed a risky investment.
But Alonso saw something others didn’t: a full-back capable of drifting inside, dribbling, and making incisive runs into scoring positions. Carreras has since become a defensive general, rarely rotated and consistently trusted to play the full 90 minutes—a feat unmatched even by superstar teammates like Kylian Mbappe. His maturity stands in stark contrast to Dean Huijsen, whose flashes of brilliance have yet to overcome bouts of “footballing immaturity.”
Remarkably, Carreras’s performances have not yet earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team, an omission that benefits Real Madrid: he remains fresh, focused, and available during international breaks.
The Road Ahead: Vallecas Test and Squad Dynamics
As Real Madrid prepare for their next away challenge against Rayo Vallecano, Alonso continues to confront the immediate realities of his project. In a recent press conference, reported by Marca, Alonso was resolute: “Every game is the most important and we go with that mentality.” He acknowledged Rayo’s good form and the historical difficulty of winning at Vallecas—a venue where Madrid haven’t claimed victory since 2022.
Alonso’s approach is not just about tactics, but about fostering a mature, resilient team. He praised Fede Valverde’s versatility and willingness to adapt, even playing as a full-back when needed. The manager also spoke highly of Rayo’s coach Iñigo Perez, noting the opponent’s clear style and strong personality.
Inside the dressing room, Alonso has found a group eager to embrace his new project. “We have started a new project, with a lot of desire. We are taking steps and that is what gives me energy,” he said. The underlying message: progress is incremental, and setbacks are opportunities for growth.
What’s Next for Xabi Alonso’s Madrid?
For all the talk of tactics and psychology, the reality is that Real Madrid remain a work in progress under Alonso. The defeat at Anfield is not just a blemish, but a reminder that consistency—especially away from home—requires patience and persistence. The club’s leadership, embodied by Perez, appears aligned with Alonso’s vision: this season is about building a foundation, not just chasing immediate glory.
As Carreras continues to exceed expectations and the squad adapts to new demands, Alonso’s Madrid is defined by transition. The manager’s willingness to own shortcomings, trust his players, and confront the club’s challenges head-on marks a shift from past eras of unyielding certainty.
Madridistas may feel the sting of defeat, but the project underway suggests a team learning to turn disappointment into determination. The next few matches, especially away from the Bernabéu, will offer crucial insights into whether Alonso’s blend of honesty, strategic faith, and squad management can deliver the consistency Real Madrid craves.
Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid, as revealed through his open dialogue with Florentino Perez and bold personnel decisions, signals a club in the midst of genuine transformation. The Anfield defeat is less an indictment than a necessary lesson—a moment where honest appraisal meets long-term vision. If Alonso’s words and actions continue to align, Madrid’s future may rest not in immediate results, but in the careful cultivation of resilience and unity.