Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso implements never seen before technology in Real Madrid training
In a fresh approach to training at Real Madrid, new manager Xabi Alonso has brought in drones to monitor sessions from above.
As reported by MARCA, this is the first time Alonso has adopted this kind of technology in his coaching career. The goal behind this move is to gather more data and gain new insights into player movements, positioning, and tactics.
It must be noted that previously, during the Carlo Ancelotti era, drones were never part of the training process.
Ancelotti relied on more traditional methods, and while Alonso did use overhead cameras during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, he had never taken to the skies for a bird’s-eye view.
Interesting use of technology
Alonso and his staff are said to be testing the drones to evaluate their value, and it remains to be seen whether this will become a permanent feature at Valdebebas.
But for now, it is a clear sign that the former midfield maestro is not afraid to embrace modern tools if they can give his team an edge.
A drone now monitors every move in training, giving Xabi Alonso a bird’s-eye view of his squad’s performance 🤖⚽️#Madrid #realmadrid #fifaclubworldcup pic.twitter.com/m5tOBXAiF5
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) June 19, 2025
While Alonso’s new training method grabbed attention, the session itself was also divided strategically. Only youth players and substitutes from the Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal trained on the field at Base Camp in West Palm Beach.
The starting XI, who played in the 1-1 draw, remained indoors for a recovery workout. In fact, according to the club’s update, those who trained outside started with a warm-up both with and without the ball.
The session included physical drills, followed by possession exercises and shooting practice. It ended with several 6-a-side games, allowing players to stay sharp and involved.
With Alonso now at the helm, changes are already visible, from fresh tactical experiments to cutting-edge technology. The use of drones might just be the beginning of a new era in training for Real Madrid.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
