Xabi Alonso's Unwavering Philosophy: A Legacy in the Making?
In a recent interview, former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema shed light on the enduring philosophy of his ex-teammate and current coach, Xabi Alonso. But here's where it gets intriguing: has Alonso's approach remained unchanged since his playing days?
Xabi-ball: A New Era at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso's journey as Real Madrid's head coach has been nothing short of captivating. Appointed at the end of last season, his first challenge was navigating the Club World Cup with an injured squad. Despite reaching the semi-finals, they faced a harsh reality check against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the real test began with the 2025-26 season. After a brief preseason, Alonso's team started strongly, winning the first six La Liga games. A setback against Atletico Madrid was quickly followed by a seven-game winning streak, including a memorable victory over Barcelona. While recent results have been less favorable, this Madrid team has shown significant improvement from the previous season's struggles.
Benzema's Endorsement
In an interview with AS, Benzema, Real Madrid's second-highest goal scorer, praised Alonso's style of play. He recalled their time as teammates and noted that Alonso's approach as a coach remains consistent: "Pressure, vertical passing... It's a style I enjoy." Benzema also defended the team and Alonso from recent criticism, stating, "I like this Real Madrid team. It's always like this—if they draw or lose, it's a crisis. But I believe in this team."
Alonso Under the Microscope
Carlo Ancelotti, who coached Alonso at Bayern Munich, offered his insights. He praised Alonso's achievements, noting the team's strong performance and spectacular results. However, the media has been quick to jump on the "crisis" narrative following recent draws and defeats. Despite these challenges, Alonso's tactics and leadership have come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting divided opinions within the dressing room.
Coaching: A Future Path for Benzema?
In the same interview, Benzema, now 38, reflected on the possibility of a coaching career. He admitted it's a challenging prospect, citing the pressure and complexities of the role. With his contract at Al-Ittihad expiring soon, Benzema plans to continue playing for at least two more years.
So, what do you think? Is Xabi Alonso's philosophy a recipe for success, or is it time for a new approach? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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