Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso sends ruthless warning to his Real Madrid players – ‘You won’t play if you…’
Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso has wasted no time laying down the law at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to an update from Cadena SER, the Spanish tactician has sent a firm and unmistakable message to his players: “Those who do not run and those who do not make an effort will not play.”
This message, relayed by journalist Javier Herraez, reveals the high standards Alonso is setting from day one.
Despite being only recently unveiled as Real Madrid’s new boss, Alonso is already demonstrating that reputation and name value will mean little under his leadership. Effort, intensity, and collective commitment will be the pillars of his tenure.
Alonso demands strong effort
Alonso’s approach is rooted in a philosophy of intense pressing and positional discipline, something he refined at Bayer Leverkusen and is now bringing to Madrid.
In fact, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia, who played under Alonso’s pressing-heavy tactics, revealed how the manager demands his forwards to lead the defensive effort, forming the first line of pressure high up the pitch.
Herraez expanded further, noting that no player will be exempt from these expectations.
“Whoever doesn’t run and whoever doesn’t make an effort won’t be playing, no matter what their name is. If a player saves a run, that’s a yellow card. Do it again, and it’s a red. There is no room for nonsense with Xabi Alonso.”
The message is not limited to outfield players either. Alonso reportedly told the squad that even goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will not be a passive observer.
“You’re not just going to stand there waiting for the ball to be passed to you. You’re going to run and fight for every ball.”
This type of demand signals a significant shift in the club’s tactical identity.
While Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti were known for their control, Alonso is poised to bring in a more aggressive approach, where every player contributes to the defensive phase and pressing game.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
