Alonso takes the helm of Real Madrid s three priorities: system reshaping, locker room dialogue and future blueprint

Real Madrid made a bold decision to appoint Xavi Alonso as the new coach starting in the 2025/26 season. The Spanish coach immediately took office without delaying it. His work will begin with the FIFA Club World Cup. The signal has been clear: from now on, from transfer operations to tactical choices, every step will revolve around Alonso's plan.

This former midfielder not only looks at the long term, but also hopes to work immediately. His arrival marked a significant change in the team’s atmosphere. We will shift from a loose player-dominated environment during Ancelotti's time to a more focused and organized coaching method.

Alonso is known for his attention to detail, and his goal is to reinject discipline, clarity and calm efficiency into the Real Madrid locker room. Here are his three priorities after taking the helm of Real Madrid:

1. Change the system

Although he responded in a low-key manner at the debut ceremony, Alonso's appointment has actually been brewing for a long time. His low-key reaction to the official announcement is a sign of future style. The former Leverkusen coach wanted to create a serious, focused environment, which was very different from the easygoing attitude that defined the Ancelotti era.

This move is not a show, but is intended to establish a strong internal structure so that players can fully focus on their own tasks. This is crucial for Real Madrid, which has many top players and has a prominent position. The club has changed its previous prudence in the transfer market and is acting quickly: paying Heisen's termination fee without hesitation and conducting direct negotiations with talented players such as Mastantuno. Behind the Valdebebas training base, Alonso is busy making plans, evaluating players, and deciding who fits his team-building idea. He knew the pressure, but he was ready.

As for the new formation? Although Alonso is not expected to make drastic changes immediately, he will clarify his style from the beginning. The biggest suspense at the moment is what formation he will focus on next season. He may have started with a 4-3-3 formation, but there are signs that he is also open to more flexible systems, such as using the 3-4-3 formation of the wingback. This allows Real Madrid to strengthen defensive control while maintaining offensive threats.

Alonso must have learned from the past. Last season, Ancelotti struggled to try to stuff three forwards into a fixed formation, and finally played 4-4-2 to stabilize the situation. The Spanish coach wants to avoid repeating the same mistakes, and his system aims to balance off the offense and defense and can provide flexibility when necessary.

2. Talk to players

Alonso's early work is not only about tactics. He also focused on dialogue with key players. The top priority is communication with Rodrigo, who was in a sluggish state at the end of last season.

Although there was hope of receiving a quote of nearly 100 million euros, no such offer has arrived yet. Rodrigo stays in the team at the moment, and Alonso hopes to help him get back to his best form. The content of the talks between the two will ultimately determine whether the Brazilian striker will continue to stay in Real Madrid.

In addition, the focus is not only on big-name stars. Alonso is giving young players real chances. Youth training talents like Jesus Fordya, Diego Aguado and Jakovo Ramon are expected to be on the club's World Cup roster. Alonso values ​​the value of promoting young talents and is committed to building a team that integrates experience and enterprising spirit.

3. Smooth transition

Ultimately, Alonso's goal is to create a smooth, united transition to avoid unnecessary troubles. Faced with multiple challenges, he focused on building a team that not only wins, but also plays with clear goals and unity.