Xabi Alonso isn’t wasting time making his mark at Real Madrid. In the final pre-season friendly against WSG Tirol, the Spanish coach made it clear that even Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr aren’t exempt from hard work. Mbappé, wearing the No. 10 for the first time, bagged a brace, while Vinicius impressed with his pressing.
During a first-half cooling break, Alonso delivered his message in person: arm around Vinicius for a quick chat, then a more intense one-on-one with Mbappé. The demand? High intensity and relentless pressing, even in a friendly, as highlighted by the Spanish press.
Gone is Ancelotti’s softer touch – Alonso wants constant pressure from his forwards. The immediate effect was clear: the two stars pressed high, worked as a unit, and suffocated Tirol’s build-up play.
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Lesson learned: at Alonso’s Madrid, even Mbappé will be defending. Every match. Every minute.
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