The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid began with promise, but it just hit its first major bump — and it was a big one.
A 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final left fans stunned and the new boss searching for answers.
In truth, it wasn’t just a loss. It was a loud reminder that Madrid are not where they need to be.
Alonso didn’t shy away from the reality. He called the defeat “painful” and admitted that PSG’s polished display was a level above.
“We were two goals down and we couldn't find our footing,” he said. “It was a painful defeat... Sometimes it’s good to see our mistakes.”
In just his first month in charge, Alonso has already tasted the heat of the hot seat. But he’s not throwing in the towel. In fact, he’s rolling up his sleeves.
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What kind of Real Madrid Xabi Alonso wants to build?
The former midfield maestro knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. But now he has to make it work from the dugout.
His vision? A unit that sticks together — and doesn't crack under pressure.
“We want to build a team that plays as a unit, with everyone playing together,” he said. Alonso isn’t focused on individuals or flashy names.
He’s preaching collective effort. And after conceding two goals in the first ten minutes, it’s easy to see why.
While PSG looked like a team built with patience and precision, Real Madrid appeared rushed and rattled. Alonso admitted as much. “It’s not only because you want to be braver that you're better.”
Still, the Spaniard sees this as a new beginning — not the end. “This will be a restart from 0,” he said. Madridistas, consider that your official kickoff whistle.
There’s no silverware this season. But for Alonso, the real prize might just be the long-term rebuild. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day — and neither was a Champions League winner.
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