June 1st, 2025, marks the day Xabi Alonso officially becomes the head coach of Los Blancos.

June 1st, 2025, marks the day Xabi Alonso officially becomes the head coach of Los Blancos. Xabi is no longer just the diligent student of Mourinho or Ancelotti; he is now the one giving the orders, the mastermind behind the hot seat at the Bernabéu.

And before he’s even finished unpacking, he’s already placed a clear, concise, and uncompromising demand on President Florentino Pérez’s desk: requests for three new signings – a central defender, a left-back, and a right-back. Because Xabi understands that if Real Madrid wants to compete in the Club World Cup in the United States as the worthy “European champion,” they cannot rely on a defense as disjointed as the current one.

Real Madrid had already made a resounding statement by recruiting Trent Alexander-Arnold. A move that surprised many, but whose logic becomes clear when analyzing how Xabi shaped the 3-4-3 formation at Leverkusen.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is no longer the player he once was at Liverpool. He has transformed into one of Europe’s most creative offensive defenders, a perfect upgrade from Frimpong – a player who thrived under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. His presence promises to turn Real’s right flank into a true powerhouse, seamlessly integrating into the bold tactical scheme Xabi plans to deploy in Madrid.

However, Real Madrid suffers from a crucial lack in central defense. This isn’t a matter of quantity, but rather a deficit of reliability and consistency.

David Alaba is grappling with recurring injuries, making him too often unavailable. Rüdiger, despite his undeniable talent, cannot single-handedly bear the weight of the Madrid defense, especially when forced to play a series of high-intensity matches. As for Nacho and Militao, despite their dedication and efforts, they are not without their flaws: the former lacks speed, while the latter can be shaky under pressure.

Real Madrid, therefore, has a defense that lacks homogeneity and the solidity required to dominate on the European stage.

In a competition as demanding as the Club World Cup – where Real Madrid could face some of the most formidable teams on the planet – Xabi Alonso aims to have a true leader in central defense. A player capable of playing on the left side, commanding in duels, and possessing excellent ball-playing ability.

Regarding the left-back position, Fran Garcia was recruited as a backup solution for Ferland Mendy, but he has not yet demonstrated that he has the substance to establish himself permanently. His attacking forays lack sharpness, his ability to defend in one-on-one situations is limited, and, above all, he seems to lack the mental fortitude necessary to shine in major encounters.

Xabi Alonso, who played at the highest level as a “pivot,” knows perfectly well the value of a left-back capable of keeping pace with opposing attackers and retreating at the opportune moment. His request to recruit a new left-back is a clear message: Real Madrid can no longer afford to contend with this “weak point” in such a prestigious tournament.

The most remarkable aspect of this situation is not so much the list of potential transfers, but rather the clarity of vision and the inflexible determination emanating from Xabi Alonso. He has not come to the Bernabéu simply to occupy the coaching bench, but to initiate a new era – where the bold and innovative 3-4-3 formation will replace the traditional 4-3-3, and where speed of execution, tactical rigor, and perfect balance will be the watchwords.

As Real Madrid faces the delicate challenge of transition, having to ensure the succession of emblematic pillars such as Modric, Kroos, or Carvajal, who are gradually entering the twilight of their careers, the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with his precise and direct demands, appears as the harbinger of a quiet but profound revolution.

And if everything unfolds as planned, the next Club World Cup could well mark the advent of a new dynasty, not only full of immense expectations but also endowed with a truly frightening potential for the competition.