Xabi Alonso's take on Real Madrid draw with Al Hilal in Club World Cup
Xabi Alonso voiced disappointment after Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in their first competitive match under his stewardship in the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alonso has made the decisive call to move on Alaba, Garcia, and Tchouameni, sparking heated debate among Real Madrid's passionate supporters. Each player has played significant roles for the club, but Alonso's determination to replicate the high-pressing, dynamic style that brought him unprecedented success at Bayer Leverkusen demands tough choices.
Alaba, the 32-year-old Austrian defender, has struggled with recurring injuries, limiting his impact despite his experience and versatility. "His leadership is undeniable, but Alonso cannot afford to rely on a player whose fitness is uncertain," a source close to the club said, reflecting the manager's pragmatic stance.
Fran Garcia, the 25-year-old left-back, has failed to cement his place since returning to the Santiago Bernabeu. Alonso reportedly believes Garcia "lacks the consistency and tactical alignment required for his system," according to Fichajes.
Tchouameni's potential exit is the most surprising, given his reputation as one of Europe's top midfielders. However, the 24-year-old Frenchman's inconsistent performances last season have drawn scrutiny. "Tchouameni hasn't delivered the dominance expected in Madrid's midfield," a Spanish football analyst noted. His links to Liverpool persist, and a transfer could reignite Alonso's pursuit of a new midfielder.
Despite Alonso's aggressive transfer strategy, Real Madrid's board have not fully backed his every request. Marca reported that Alonso sought a creative playmaker to replace the departing Luka Modric, who leaves after the Club World Cup. The club's hierarchy rebuffed the demand, telling Alonso, "What you have is enough."
With Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Ceballos already in the squad, the board see no urgent need for additions, unless Tchouameni departs.
Speculation around targets like Martin Zubimendi and Angelo Stiller has swirled, with X posts from @MadridXtra noting Alonso's admiration for Zubimendi, but Real Madrid view their current midfield trio of Valverde, Tchouameni, and Camavinga as world-class. No concrete moves for new signings have materialized, suggesting the club's focus remains on streamlining the squad.
Alonso's bold moves signal a new era at the Bernabeu, where sentimentality takes a backseat to ambition. As Real Madrid prepare for the Club World Cup and the upcoming La Liga season, fans await the next chapter in this transformative summer under their new tactician.