As Real Madrid prepares for a new era under legendary midfielder-turned-manager Xabi Alonso, the Spanish tactician faces his most critical challenge yet: restoring three key players to their peak performance levels. Following an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the club to an historic unbeaten domestic season, Alonso now turns his attention to revitalizing Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Raul Asencio at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Table of Contents
The Alonso Revolution at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso took over the reins of Real Madrid in June and led them to a semi-final run at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 43-year-old manager brings a unique perspective to Los Blancos, combining his illustrious playing career at the club with modern tactical innovations that transformed Bayer Leverkusen into Bundesliga champions.
Alonso is expected to implement a 4-3-3 formation at Real Madrid, abandoning the three-man defense which brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen. This tactical shift represents a significant departure from his previous approach and demonstrates his adaptability to the unique demands of managing the world’s most successful club.
Tactical Philosophy and Team Vision
Alonso has emphasized his desire for the team to “convey emotion and energy, play ambitiously, and connect with the fans,” highlighting his focus on improving each player’s potential to fit the pieces together. This holistic approach to management extends beyond tactical formations to encompass psychological rehabilitation and individual player development.
The Three-Player Revival Mission
Vinicius Jr.: Overcoming Contract Distractions
The Brazilian winger, once considered a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, has faced significant challenges in recent months. Vinicius has become too entangled in his contract situation while talks about his future and the Ballon d’Or snub have contributed to him losing focus.
Alonso’s strategy for Vinicius centers on mental refocusing and tactical discipline. The manager wants him to separate performance from contract negotiations with a simple message – focus on football, play well first, and everything else will follow. Additionally, there are concerns that internal rivalry with Kylian Mbappé has affected the 25-year-old’s performance levels.
Key Areas for Improvement:
- Mental focus and concentration during matches
- Defensive work rate and physical commitment
- Separation of contract negotiations from on-field performance
- Managing competition with Mbappé constructively
Rodrygo Goes: Rediscovering Lost Form
The 24-year-old Brazilian forward presents a complex case for Alonso. There has been endless speculation about Rodrygo’s departure from Real Madrid, with the forward continuing to listen to offers from the Premier League despite insisting he wants to stay.
The speculations have stemmed from his decline in form and prominence in the team over the past few months, with Mbappé, Vinicius, and even Gonzalo Garcia currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Alonso’s Rehabilitation Plan for Rodrygo:
- Intensive work on speed and dribbling techniques
- Enhanced creativity in final third situations
- Improved off-ball movement and work rate
- Psychological support to rebuild confidence
Raul Asencio: Confidence Crisis Recovery
The young defender faces perhaps the most significant challenge of the three players. Asencio is going through a crisis in confidence after making high-profile errors, including unnecessary penalties, exposing flaws in his decision-making.
Despite giving him responsibility at the Club World Cup, the youngster let the team down and apologized for his errors. Alonso has identified rebuilding Asencio’s mental fortitude as a critical priority.
Recovery Strategy:
- Individual psychological assessment and support
- Gradual reintegration into high-pressure situations
- Focus on decision-making improvement
- Building self-belief through positive reinforcement
Alonso’s Management Approach
Individual Player Meetings
Alonso plans to meet individually with all three players once the squad returns to training on Monday. This personalized approach reflects his understanding that each player requires specific attention and tailored solutions to overcome their respective challenges.
Tactical Adaptations for Success
The manager’s tactical philosophy emphasizes structured freedom, allowing players to express themselves within a defined system. His system of structured freedom could set the club up for another decade of dominance. This approach is particularly relevant for creative players like Vinicius and Rodrygo, who thrive with tactical flexibility.
Historical Context and Expectations
Alonso’s Coaching Credentials
After struggling in his first season at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso guided the club through a historic invincible domestic season, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal while reaching the UEFA Europa League Final. This remarkable turnaround demonstrates his ability to transform underperforming players and teams.
The Real Madrid Challenge
Managing Real Madrid presents unique pressures that differ significantly from his Leverkusen experience. The expectation for immediate success, combined with the global spotlight on every decision, requires a different approach to player management and tactical implementation.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The revival of these three players could significantly impact Real Madrid’s competitive prospects for the 2025/26 season. Vinicius Jr.’s return to peak form would restore balance to the attacking line, while Rodrygo’s resurgence would provide crucial depth and tactical flexibility. Meanwhile, Asencio’s confidence recovery could solidify the defensive foundation for years to come.
Competitive Balance
The successful rehabilitation of these players would address several tactical concerns:
- Attacking width and pace on both flanks
- Defensive stability and youth development
- Squad depth for multiple competitions
- Internal competition driving overall performance levels
Looking Ahead: Season Expectations
As Real Madrid prepares for the new campaign under Alonso’s guidance, the success of this three-player revival mission could define the early stages of his tenure. The manager’s emphasis on individual attention, combined with his proven track record of player development, suggests a methodical approach to addressing these challenges.
The integration of these rehabilitated players into Alonso’s tactical system represents more than individual success stories – it symbolizes the broader transformation of Real Madrid under new leadership. Success in this endeavor could establish the foundation for sustained success in both domestic and European competitions.
Performance Analysis Table
| Player | Primary Issues | Alonso’s Solution | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinicius Jr. | Contract distractions, Mbappé rivalry | Mental refocusing, tactical discipline | 6-8 weeks |
| Rodrygo Goes | Form decline, transfer speculation | Technical work, confidence building | 4-6 weeks |
| Raul Asencio | Decision-making errors, confidence crisis | Individual meetings, gradual reintegration | 8-10 weeks |
Tactical Formation Comparison
| Formation | Previous Success | Real Madrid Application | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4-2-1 (Leverkusen) | Bundesliga Champions | Not suitable for current squad | Defensive stability |
| 4-3-3 (Planned) | Classic Real Madrid | Perfect for attacking trio | Width and creativity |
| 3-4-3 (Alternative) | Modern flexibility | Potential future option | Tactical versatility |
Xabi Alonso’s mission to restore Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Raul Asencio represents a crucial test of his managerial capabilities at Real Madrid. The Spanish tactician’s individualized approach, combined with his tactical acumen and psychological insight, provides hope for the successful rehabilitation of these three talented players.
The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Alonso’s methods can overcome the unique pressures and challenges that have affected these players. Success in this endeavor would not only strengthen Real Madrid’s competitive position but also establish Alonso as a manager capable of handling the complex demands of leading the world’s most successful football club.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how these three players respond to Alonso’s guidance and whether their revival can spark a new golden era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Read More: Real Madrid Begin 15-Day Preseason on August 4 Ahead of La Liga 2025-26 Opener
FAQs
What tactical formation will Xabi Alonso use at Real Madrid?
Alonso is expected to implement a 4-3-3 formation at Real Madrid, moving away from the 3-4-2-1 system that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen.
Why is Vinicius Jr. struggling with his performance?
Vinicius Jr. has been distracted by contract negotiations, Ballon d’Or disappointment, and internal competition with Kylian Mbappé, leading to a decline in focus and performance.
Is Rodrygo leaving Real Madrid?
Despite ongoing transfer speculation and interest from Premier League clubs, Rodrygo insists he wants to stay at Real Madrid, though he continues to listen to offers.
What went wrong for Raul Asencio at the Club World Cup?
Asencio made several high-profile errors during the tournament, including giving away unnecessary penalties, which exposed flaws in his decision-making and led to a confidence crisis.
How long will it take for these players to return to peak form?
Based on Alonso’s rehabilitation plan, the timeline varies: Rodrygo (4-6 weeks), Vinicius Jr. (6-8 weeks), and Asencio (8-10 weeks), depending on individual progress and response to coaching methods.
