Xabi Alonso Changes Training Rule at Real Madrid

Since taking over as Real Madrid manager from Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso has emphasised the importance of spending time on the training ground to implement new ideas. The players are adapting to a stricter regime under Alonso, who has asked the squad to arrive one hour before training sessions, which is an increase from the previous half-hour requirement established by Ancelotti, according to El Chiringuito TV.

Real Madrid Under Xabi Alonso

The veteran Italian coach mostly observed training sessions from the sidelines while assistants Davide Ancelotti and Francesco Mauri ran the activities and drills. The head coach would get involved when there was something specific he wanted to communicate. Multiple former players from Alonso's previous teams, Real Sociedad B and German giants Bayer Leverkusen, have praised how he would actively participate in exercises when they played under him.

At Madrid's training ground in Miami, Xabi Alonso has been a constant presence among the players, always moving and engaging in conversation. Madrid's first training sessions in the U.S. began with assistant coach Sebas Parrilla calling out numbers for players to quickly form into small groups. Those who were not quick enough to find a group had to perform push-ups. The goal was to ensure that everyone was alert from the very first minute.

Alonso's Leverkusen team, which won an unbeaten German League and Cup double in the 2023-24 season, was known for its compact organisation, quick counter-pressing, and rehearsed patterns of play that moved the ball forward with precision. This required extensive repetitive work on the training ground, with players fully committed to what their coaches asked them to do. The Basque coach has brought most of his Leverkusen staff with him to Madrid, including Parrilla, analyst Alberto Encinas, and fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez. They are joined by Banat Labaien, an analyst and assistant coach, and Luis Llopis, Madrid's goalkeeping coach since 2021. Together, they form a close-knit group that plans each training session with a clear objective: to improve specific aspects of the players' performance.

Training can involve working one-on-one with a particular player, with small groups, or by position, such as defence, midfield, or forwards. An early objective has been to make the team more cohesive and compact in both attack and defence, fostering a sense of unity in thinking and movement. Sessions typically conclude with seven-on-seven games in smaller spaces.

Some of the most noticeable changes under Alonso have taken place during warm-ups and physical exercises. Each fitness activity is designed to prepare the team for specific match situations, making the drills more engaging for players while ensuring they remain mentally focused throughout each session. Alonso often uses video to communicate his expectations to the players. Drone footage is captured during each training session, and analysts record every game from a high vantage point in the stadium.

In game three, Alonso changed the team’s formation from the previous 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2, resulting in a 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg, allowing Madrid to top the group and qualify for a round-of-16 tie against Juventus at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. "It’s all very new," said forward Vinicius Jr., who scored the first goal and assisted the second. He added: "Xabi has come with new ideas and is introducing them to us bit by bit. It’s been two very good weeks; we’re gaining confidence and trying to understand as quickly as possible what he wants."

New Changes Under Xabi Alonso

The change to come an hour early for training was implemented as pre-season training began on Monday at Valdebebas, reflecting Alonso’s focus on discipline and preparation as he shapes the team for the 2025/26 La Liga season.

Alonso's new rule comes as Real Madrid faces a challenging pre-season. Key players Ferland Mendy, Endrick, and Jude Bellingham were absent from Monday’s session due to physical issues, and new signing Franco Mastantuono is sidelined until August 14.

The earlier arrival time aims to create a more focused environment, allowing for additional warm-up sessions, tactical briefings, and team bonding activities.