On a recent episode of _El Larguero_, Spanish journalists Ramon Besa and Manuel Jabois reflected on Real Madrid’s changes under Xabi Alonso. The focus of the conversation was on Madrid’s progress—and how different the team is beginning to look.
### A Clearer Identity Under Xabi Alonso
Jabois was impressed by the cohesion on display against Salzburg, noting how Real Madrid looked far more like a finished product than at any point in the recent past.
“We saw an extraordinary prototype of what Madrid could look like cruising at full speed next season,” said Jabois. “What stood out to me was their ambition and defensive commitment. When they were up 0–2, Salzburg had a counterattack and everyone sprinted back. That change in character is decisive. These are mostly the same players, and they haven’t forgotten how to play football. Xabi Alonso has made it clear: either everyone defends, or you won’t last long here.”
Xabi’s tactical innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed, either.
“Madrid played much better than even the second game against Pachuca,” Jabois added. “And they did it with a completely new tactic—three central defenders, something we haven’t seen in years. Yet the team looked incredibly fluid.”
Fran Garcia was also singled out for praise.
“Few Madrid fans expected Fran Garcia to look like a starter after the last two seasons, but in these matches, he’s playing with more agility, more confidence, and more decisiveness than we’ve seen from him before.”
Besa, too, recognized the shift—especially in the structure behind the scenes.
“Madrid fans are eager to see the team succeed,” said Besa. “After last season, which was difficult to manage, people got tired of seeing the same faces and same issues. What we’re seeing now is a coach with a clear game plan.”
He continued, emphasizing the importance of buy-in:
“Xabi Alonso talks about the ‘ethic of effort’ rather than the ‘culture of effort.’ That’s what he wants the players to represent. The best sign for Madrid is that the players are buying into his message. To win, you need to start by building a team—not just managing individual players. Last year we heard more about player management than team-building. Now it feels like Madrid are finally building a team again—and that’s always a healthy place to start.”
One of the more promising signs of this new Madrid is the emergence of Gonzalo Garcia from the youth ranks. Both journalist commented on his recent performances and step up for the first team:
“It’s very rare to see youth players feature in important official matches like this,” said Jabois. “Normally, that position is filled by a senior player being shifted around. But Xabi came in, studied who was performing in the reserves, and this kid was scoring tons of goals—and more importantly, bringing something different to Madrid’s attack: sticking to defenders and pressing hard.”
Jabois highlighted Gonzalo’s work rate:
“Yesterday, he recovered multiple balls. The goal came off a rebound, but it was also a second-ball situation, and he stayed with the play. He’s quick, and Madrid’s academy players are often judged too quickly—if they don’t shine in ten minutes, they’re back on the bench. But Gonzalo’s shown flashes, and now he’s fully breaking out.”
Madrid’s reliance on the market in times of crisis has often stifled youth development, but Jabois believes Xabi might be the type of coach to break that pattern.
“Very few coaches have had the guts to do what Valdano did,” he said. “It takes courage and conviction, and that’s the best thing Xabi can bring to Madrid right now.”