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8 hours ago
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Xabi Alonso was appointed as Real Madrid's head coach last month following the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid had an underwhelming run in the 2024-25 season under Ancelotti's management despite having a star-studded squad. Los Blancos were eliminated from the Champions League and finished second in La Liga while lifting no major trophies.
Now with Alonso in charge, changes are anticipated in the Spanish squad, and his debut match as manager will be Real Madrid's first match in the Club World Cup.
Alonso has reportedly sent a strict warning to his squad ahead of the competition, where he mentioned that 'players who do not make an effort will not play.'
What did Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso tell his players?
According to a report by Cadena SER and journalist Javier Herraez, Alonso has established that 'there is no room for nonsense' with the Spanish manager in charge.
“Those who do not run and those who do not make an effort will not play. 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," he said.
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The report also suggested that this rule applies to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, to whom Alonso said,
"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."
Alonso & Co. are set to face Saudi side Al-Hilal in their first match of the Club World Cup on June 18, at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
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