Let’s leave it there then, eh?
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Are you closing the thread then? Or does that only happen when he is officially out of the door?
TAA will definitely need to hit the ground running…!!
Dressing room doubts emerge over Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid
Story by Ibrahim
Xabi Alonso’s return to Real Madrid as head coach was meant to mark a new era, but not everyone at the club is convinced. While club president Florentino Pérez welcomed him warmly and praised his vision, murmurs of doubt have already surfaced from within the dressing room.
During his unveiling, Xabi Alonso outlined his ambition: dynamic football, control, energy, and tactical versatility—particularly favoring a 3-4-3 system. However, some players are skeptical. Several squad members question whether the team is built for the kind of high-pressing, three-at-the-back style Alonso implemented at Bayer Leverkusen.
Defensive vulnerabilities and the lack of pressing support from some attacking stars raise concerns about how realistic such a tactical shift would be in Madrid.
Beyond tactics, there’s unease over how veteran players have been treated. The departures of Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez have not gone down well among parts of the squad, especially since Modric was expected to renew his contract until a sudden reversal. For players who valued the leadership and balance brought by the veterans, this marks a worrying shift.
Although Alonso’s mandate is clear—refresh the squad and turn the page on a disappointing season—the transition may not be as smooth as Florentino Pérez hopes. The new coach has yet to speak with many key players, but it’s clear: he’s got work to do to win over his team.
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No attacking player is going to do the mundane job of pressing. It’s way too uncool for them. Expect the defenders and midfielders to get brickbats by the fans when they are hung out to dry by the likes Mbappe , Bellingham vinicius etc etc
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Based on that Alonso post I’d say Trent is fucked from the get go. Very much how it went under southgate and england. All TAAs fault and a scapegoat. But was deployed differently. England fans, media were vile towards him and it’ll be the same over there. Hope Alonso takes him under his wing but not sure he’d have signed Trent and had to prove he can manage this shower. 3-4-3 is a very different setup with a dodgy defense and Trent not great without solid cover. Real fans will evicerate his confidence in a few weeks. I highly doubt we’ll pay to bring him back in a years time under contract.
I think Alonso is pragmatic enough to realise that he can’t change the formation immediately to a 3 at the back. He’s not like Scamorim in that regard.
The Real formation will depend on how many of the prima Donna’s he’s going to fit into the side without upending the overall balance of the team.
Using 3 at the back probably means sacrificing an extra guy(mostly Bellingham) up front. It’s not set in stone that Alonso will do that atleast immediately.
A great epitaph for your tombstone (although I guess you’re immortal given your already unfathomable age).
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He had the tombstone made already. But it turned to rubble due to the centuries of non usage
Neoliberalism?
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He’s been consistent over his views throughout the centuries.
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Yeah but it hasn’t existed for centuries.
Do you dare argue against Cynnie ?
Funnily enough. I never show up on my neighbours’ Ring doorbell camera. So maybe I’m already dead? 
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Seems like player power is flexing a bit as Alonso arrives at Real Madrid. Hopefully he is fully backed to sort it out, as somewhere along the way, they have become a galactico outfit that is once again less than the sum of its parts.
If all you have is talent but you are unwilling to put in the hard work, you will never achieve your potential. Alonso is a top football man, still fairly inexperienced as a manager, but seasoned enough to have had success. He has a clear vision for what he wants.
We are going to find out if Real Madrid want to be a successful football team or a circus. I like Alonso and wish him well, but at the same time I dislike Real Madrid and want them to fail. I suppose I’ll just make some popcorn and watch it unfold!
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Hell no.
This is the only way.
Make your mind up
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Yeah I want Xabi to fail hard. I’d say the same if any former or current pool player went there.
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As long as we beat Real Madrid everytime we face them , really don’t care whether Trent or Alonso fail there.
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I wish them well, both Trent and Xabi.
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