Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso already sets the rules for Mbappé and Vinicius Jr

The winds of change have officially arrived in Madrid. As Real Madrid kick off their pre-season preparations, all eyes are on newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso, whose mission is not only to restore pride to the white jersey but to instill a new level of discipline and intensity—especially from his star players, Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.

After a season many at the Bernabéu would rather forget, the Club World Cup, which begins June 18 against Al Hilal, offers a golden opportunity for redemption. But for Xabi Alonso, this tournament is more than a chance at silverware—it is the first step in reshaping the club’s identity under his command.

According to Marca, Alonso has already started making firm decisions behind the scenes. The former midfield maestro, who excelled in tactical systems at Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly ready to abandon the 3-4-2-1 formation he perfected in Germany. Instead, he may revert to Real Madrid’s traditional 4-3-3 system, a move driven by both squad limitations and recent injuries in the backline.

While systems and tactics are important, Alonso’s most impactful change so far lies in his approach to discipline—particularly regarding defensive contributions from his attackers. In the past, stars like Mbappé and Vinicius Jr have dazzled with flair and finishing, but they’ve also come under criticism for their lack of tracking back, especially in crucial Champions League fixtures.

Last season, both players were among the attackers with the fewest kilometers covered in Europe’s elite competition. That won’t be tolerated anymore under Alonso’s reign. The message is clear: brilliance without balance will no longer suffice.

“Every player must defend,” Alonso reportedly told the squad during his first team talk. “Wearing this shirt means giving your all—not just when you have the ball, but especially when you don’t.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to be fully supportive of Alonso’s strict standards. The Club World Cup presents not just a shot at redemption but also a massive financial incentive—€115 million in prize money that could further fuel Madrid’s summer transfer ambitions.

Speaking of reinforcements, Real have already acted swiftly in the market. Young defender Dean Huijsen has arrived, and Premier League standout Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed on as well. Alonso’s squad is still expected to grow before the tournament begins, with potential promotions for youth talents such as Nico Paz and Álvaro Carreras.

Behind the scenes, the shift in tone is palpable. Training sessions have become more intense, and there is already a stronger emphasis on physical recovery, tactical drills, and pressing triggers. A source close to the club described Alonso’s methods as “meticulous and non-negotiable.”

Mbappé, who recently completed his highly anticipated move to Real Madrid after years of speculation, is believed to be embracing the challenge. “He wants to win it all here,” a source close to the Frenchman told Africa Sports. “But he also knows he has to adapt to Xabi’s expectations.”

Vinicius Jr, for his part, has reportedly welcomed the changes too—though privately, some in his camp are wary of the physical demands being placed on him after a long and intense 2024/25 campaign.

There are also whispers of internal competition being reignited. With Joselu, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz all eager to impress, Xabi Alonso’s demand for collective effort could lead to a merit-based selection policy—where status alone doesn’t guarantee a starting spot.

This approach, while risky in a squad full of superstars, has already begun to change the locker room dynamic. One senior player who wished to remain anonymous remarked, “We’re not just being told to work harder. We’re being shown what excellence looks like.”

Even legends of the club have chimed in. Iker Casillas recently praised Alonso’s appointment, saying: “Xabi has the intelligence and integrity to bring discipline back to Madrid. He understands what it means to wear this crest.”

For Alonso, it’s about setting the tone early. The Club World Cup may not carry the same historical weight as the Champions League, but its implications are huge. A win would buy him time. A loss—especially one where effort is questioned—could raise early doubts about his suitability for the job.

In the end, Real Madrid’s road to success may no longer depend on flair alone. For the first time in years, their attacking stars must learn to defend from the front, and for Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr, the message is unmistakable: no player is above the system.

Madrid’s new era has officially begun—and it comes with rules. Clear, firm, and non-negotiable.