The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid began with high hopes but opened with a stark reminder of reality. In a 1-1 draw against Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso’s side showed flashes of promise but ultimately failed to secure victory. Yet, while much of the spotlight was on Gonzalo García’s goal, Valverde’s missed penalty, and Al-Hilal’s resilience, one of the most impactful moments came off the pitch—from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who offered a sobering seven-word warning about the team’s current state and expectations under their new coach.
Appointed following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to coach Brazil, Alonso returned to Madrid with a clear philosophy: a high-intensity, pressing style of soccer focused on collective effort and ball control. Unlike Ancelotti’s more reactive setup, Alonso is demanding constant pressing, particularly from attacking stars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, who were previously criticized for not tracking back or pressing aggressively.
As Diario AS reported earlier, the Spanish tactician views pressing as the “most urgent” tactical overhaul Los Blancos must undertake, especially after a trophyless 2024-25 season defined by passive defending and a drop in physical output. In one glaring example, Madrid ran 12 kilometers less than Arsenal in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, which ended in a 3-0 loss at the Emirates.
The Club World Cup was seen as the ideal proving ground to begin that transition. But the 1-1 draw revealed that change won’t come overnight.
What did Courtois say?
After the final whistle in Miami, Thibaut Courtois provided perhaps the most honest—and concerning—assessment of the team’s readiness for Alonso’s philosophy. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Belgian star didn’t mince words. “We’re still playing Ancelotti-type soccer. That can’t change in only four days.”
Those seven words–“That can’t change in only four days” –are a candid acknowledgment that Madrid remains entrenched in its old habits, particularly its more passive off-ball play. Courtois elaborated: “Xabi wants us to attack in different ways and defend in different ways. We are watching videos and talking a lot. We will learn from this game.”
“We played too slowly in the first half. We struggled to find the rhythm of the game. The penalty [we conceded] was a bit silly. After that, we played faster and were more agile.”
Courtois’ remarks reflect a dressing room adjusting to a complete tactical overhaul, something that will require both time and collective buy-in—especially from stars used to a more relaxed approach under Ancelotti.
