Real Madrid News
Real Madrid players warned by Leverkusen star about Xabi Alonso’s demands – ‘There will be shouting and scolding’
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia, one of Xabi Alonso’s most trusted players at Bayer Leverkusen, has opened up about the Real Madrid manager’s approach in a recent interview with Cadena SER (via AS).
Garcia provided a detailed account of Alonso’s tactical flexibility, strict standards, and what might lie ahead as he prepares to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Garcia began by revealing that Alonso is still undecided on which formation to use at Real Madrid. “Honestly, speaking to him before the end of the season, I don’t think he’s entirely clear on it,” he admitted.
While the 5-2-3 system worked wonders at Leverkusen, Alonso knows that Real Madrid’s player profiles may require a different setup.
“We have to analyse the profile of players Madrid has and see if this system suits him,” Garcia said, hinting that the former midfielder won’t be married to one system if it doesn’t fit.
How is Xabi Alonso like?
On Alonso’s management style, Garcia praised his balance between being approachable and maintaining authority.
“For me, he’s very relatable. He has a special connection with the players thanks to the titles they’ve won, but when he needs to shout, he does,” Garcia noted.
Although he did mention that training under Alonso is no laughing matter. “He doesn’t like to make fun of things. He likes training to be the time to work.”
Interestingly, Alonso’s strict stance on punctuality also came into focus. “We’ve had a few cases of important players who have been late to a match call-up and he’s left them on the bench,” Garcia revealed.
However, he questioned whether the same hardline stance would work in Madrid, particularly with superstars like Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Jr.
“Doing it with Mbappe or Vinicius? I don’t know how Xabi will handle it. It will be difficult for him, although the shouting, the scolding, and the fine will be the same.”
What does he demand?
Perhaps most telling was Garcia’s emphasis on Alonso’s insistence on defensive work from all players, even forwards.
“If Mbappe saves himself a run, I don’t know how Xabi will handle it, but he’ll definitely put it in after the match. He wants all the players to run and be involved in defence.
“Speaking with him, I know he wants to try to involve the attacking players, especially to make that effort, a minimum, so that those behind have an easier time recovering the ball.”
This could set up interesting dynamics with flair players at Madrid who are used to a bit more attacking freedom.
Will Garcia join Real Madrid if Alonso calls?
Finally, when asked whether he would follow Alonso to Madrid if called, Garcia did not rule it out.
“We should have a conversation. When he called me for Leverkusen, he convinced me, and that says it all.”
However, he went on to mention that he is very happy with his life in Germany. “I’m fine at Leverkusen. Life in Germany has surprised me in a positive way,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
