TA: Alonso’s training included push-ups and other punishment measures; Real Madrid players had mixed reactions

Hupu reported on November 4 that TheAthleticUK Spanish& German reporter team wrote a column for Xavi Alonso.

In the first six months after taking office, Alonso tried to use many of the tactics that had worked well before him. Today, training sessions include extensive and detailed tactical drills, both individual and team tactics. Players watch detailed game tapes to learn what is required of them during the game.

In view of the decline in the team's level during the last four years of Ancelotti's coaching, the new coach further strengthened the rigor and discipline of training - for example, during the Club World Cup, if players did not react quickly enough in training, they had to do push-ups.

In July this year, a source close to the team said in an interview with The Athletic that he questioned whether this high-intensity and targeted training method could be "sustained" in the long term, and whether senior players could accept Alonso's philosophy with "humility."

At present, the situation is mixed. Vinicius is one of those who feels Alonso has not treated him with the respect he deserves - the Brazil star publicly expressed his displeasure after being substituted in the recent El Clasico against Barcelona and avoided Alonso in his subsequent apology.

Another player who is dissatisfied with Alonso's coaching methods is Federico Valverde. He has publicly stated that he is frustrated that he cannot perform at his best due to the team's new midfield system;

In addition, he is also dissatisfied with Alonso's arrangement of playing him at right back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold.

Other players in the locker room are more satisfied with Alonso's coaching methods-players such as Mbappe, Guler, Chuameni, Edel Militao and Alvaro Carreras have all performed well under his guidance.

At his debut at the Bernabeu in late May, Alonso praised Ancelotti's impact on the team he inherited. He also said he had learned a lot from all his previous coaches, but added: "You need to have your own ideas and personality."

Also following the matter closely is former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. He told The Athletic that his former Anfield team-mate Alonso appears to have a closer relationship with Guardiola and Mourinho than Ancelotti or Del Bosque.

"Real Madrid fascinates me," Carragher said. "They've had some managers before who just came in and said 'this is what I want to do'. Xavi seems to be that type of coach and it fits his character. It will be really interesting to see if his approach works.

Their greatest successes have come from managers like Ancelotti and Vicente del Bosque, who are not wedded to a system, formation or philosophy. They are good at putting the best players on the field, keeping them happy and keeping him. They play to their strengths and let them discipline themselves.

They are not like Guardiola or Mourinho, who stick to their guns and let the players adapt to their tactics."

When asked by The Athletic whether player Alonso likes to be told what to do on the field, Carragher said that most club coaches want to keep a close eye on players, but Real Madrid is not the most... club.

"Xavi doesn't need a coach telling him what to do," Carragher said. "But he does like teams to have structure and organization on and off the pitch, and he believes that's the best way to get the best out of any team.

That applies to most people in football. But from the outside looking in, Real Madrid is a little different in that regard."