Alonso’s Bernabeu debut
Xabi Alonso will take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time on Tuesday when Real Madrid host Osasuna in their La Liga opener. The Spaniard, who began his reign at the Club World Cup in the U.S., is stepping into a new chapter after the Carlo Ancelotti era.
Short pre-season, no excuses
Madrid’s pre-season was cut short after their request to delay the league start was rejected. Since their 4-0 loss to PSG on July 9, the team has played just one friendly. Alonso admitted the lack of preparation time wasn’t ideal but dismissed excuses.
“We’ve only had two weeks and there’s no point looking for excuses now,” he said.
New faces, fresh energy
The squad includes big signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold, as Madrid look to bounce back from finishing second to Barcelona last season and crashing out of the Champions League to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic double two years ago, stayed measured about expectations: “We want to bring energy to the stadium and then earn it, not just talk about it.”
Firm stance on Miami plan
The coach also echoed Madrid’s opposition to La Liga staging a December fixture in Miami between Villarreal and Barcelona.
“I agree wholeheartedly with the club’s statement… all participants should have been consulted,” Alonso said.
