Eliminated in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup by Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid saw one of its first major objectives of the season crumble. This premature exit highlighted certain collective weaknesses, particularly in defense, and precipitated an in-depth reflection on tactical balance. This summer, under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, the Madrid club did not seek to lick its wounds in a hurry. On the contrary, the time has come for methodical reconstruction, with a clear desire to correct the dysfunctions that have emerged over the course of a dense and trying schedule, without losing the immediate ambition that characterizes the Whites.
The appointment of Xabi Alonso, an iconic figure at the club, marks a turning point in Real Madrid's sporting project. At the crossroads between heritage and modernity, the Basque player is already making his mark: defensive rigor, assertive competition, and fine-tuned rotation management. The defeat against PSG showed that squad depth is not enough if it is not accompanied by a stable and transparent structure. The defensive project has therefore become a priority, in the heart of a summer where the club is seeking to build a team capable of meeting the demands of the highest level, match after match. The rest of the summer highlights one of the most delicate aspects of this reconstruction: the management of Madrid's defense.
The defensive sector still has questions.
After a season marked by improvisation and emergencies, Real Madrid's defense is approaching this new season in a radically different context. While Ancelotti had to tinker between injuries and conversions, Xabi Alonso inherits a rich and balanced squad, with eleven players available to occupy four or five defensive positions depending on the system. The days when Asensio and Tchouaméni assumed the role of firefighters are over. The returns of Militao and Alaba, along with targeted signings like Huijsen, restore structural solidity to the back line. Even if the schedule remains busy, rotation should now be done by strategy rather than necessity. The depth of the bench offers unprecedented tactical comfort, but also poses new managerial challenges.
Defensive stability is no longer guaranteed by urgency but by healthy competition... albeit a heavy one. Last season forced Ancelotti to field up to twelve different combinations in central defence, with an ever-present Rüdiger, as Marca points out . Now, Xabi Alonso must manage an excess of options, particularly with the integration of promising youngsters and returns from injury. In this context, rotation is becoming a headache. Jacobo's departure to Como illustrates the saturation of the sector, and others will follow. Especially with the prospect of the World Cup at the end of the season, each player will seek to maintain his rhythm and visibility. This individual ambition can complicate cohabitation, especially since certain key positions, such as central defender, remain coveted on the market.
Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on the transfer market, aware that its current defensive depth doesn't rule out the arrival of a new key player. Konaté has been at the top of the list for several months. Under contract with Liverpool until 2026, he could be the subject of an early offensive, as was attempted with Alexander-Arnold. Other high-profile names are also coveted. Meanwhile, the departures of players like Fran GarcÃa, whose position is threatened by an imminent transfer, could free up the necessary space. While nothing has been finalized yet, the arrival of a central defender is more than likely. Despite the players' returns from injury, the sporting management knows that to aim for every title, depth is not enough: they also need starters capable of making a difference tomorrow.
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