Real Madrid News
Former Spain forward hails Real Madrid’s progress under Alonso – ‘They have had very good start’
Former Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo, who came through the Real Madrid youth system and later played in La Liga for clubs including Almeria, Valencia, and Sevilla, has spoken highly of Xabi Alonso’s work since taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Although Negredo never made an official appearance for Real Madrid’s first team, his experience in the club’s environment gives weight to his views.
In an interview with AS, Negredo was asked whether he had expected Alonso to become a top-level coach. He replied,
“Xabi Alonso is a very young coach, full of enthusiasm and desire. He hasn’t been doing this for very long, but I was lucky enough to be with him in the dressing room, and you could see he would be a good coach.
“At the end of the day, playing for Madrid comes with a lot of pressure, and having been a player at big clubs, I think he knows how to handle it.”
Negredo also reflected on the team’s early-season challenges, including a heavy defeat against Atletico Madrid, but praised Alonso’s ability to stabilise the squad.
“They had a rough patch against Atletico Madrid, but I think Xabi Alonso has had a very good start to the season.”
Balancing attack and managing players
The former striker also discussed the challenges of managing an attacking lineup, noting the delicate balance between tactical setups and player mentality.
“It’s a difficult situation. Everyone wants to play, but it’s true that some players give you a lot in attack.
“That’s why I think Xabi Alonso doesn’t take risks by putting three forwards on, but instead uses a 4-4-2 system, which works very well for Real Madrid, with all its offensive potential.
“I imagine that Xabi knows how to manage this well, rotating players so that no one gets upset and everyone can get those minutes to have a good competition.”
Negredo, speaking from experience, also offered advice on how players should respond when they don’t get regular minutes.
“Every player wants to play. It’s important to know how to manage that, to know how to help the player when he’s not playing, but also to show the coach that you’re ready when your time comes.
“You can’t get angry or upset, because every player, especially at Madrid, wants to play.
“You have to be patient and know that your minutes will come, and then you have to make the most of them,” he concluded.
Big money signings are almost an annual ritual at Real Madrid who have always maintained a positive financial balance and utilised their margins to plan blockbuster signings.
Not all, however, pay off. There have been numerous examples of players who have struggled to live up to their billing after arriving at the Spanish capital, particularly owing to the overwhelming pressure to perform.
One player who has embraced that responsibility and stepped up on the biggest of nights time and time again is Jude Bellingham, and the English midfielder has grown into one of the first names on the team sheet at the club.
Here to stay
As reported by Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Real Madrid are seriously considering Bellingham’s contractual situation as a matter of importance and plans on handing the player a well-deserved contract extension.
The midfield star arrived at the club in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of €103 million, and his current contract with the club runs until the summer of 2029.
While there is still significant time left before the player enters the final year of his contract, Los Blancos wish to complete the renewal process well in advance so as to avoid a saga similar to what they faced with Vinicius Jr. this summer.
A blistering start to the season
In four official games this season, Real Madrid have racked up three wins and one defeat, and Bellingham has been one of the standout performers.
The player has started all of the team’s games and averages 84 minutes per game. He already has two goals and two assists to his name and has led from the front alongside Kylian Mbappe.
With Jose Mourinho at the helm now, the Englishman is being handed more attacking freedom as the manager wishes to play to Bellingham’s strengths and maximise his output.
Now having fewer defensive responsibilities, the player’s numbers are expected to boom as the season progresses.
He is, in that sense, one of the greatest beneficiaries of Mourinho’s arrival and a lot more responsibility will be placed on his shoulders.
