Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia, one of Xabi Alonso’s most trusted players at Bayer Leverkusen, has opened up about the Real Madrid manager’s approach in a recent interview with Cadena SER (via AS).
Garcia provided a detailed account of Alonso’s tactical flexibility, strict standards, and what might lie ahead as he prepares to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Garcia began by revealing that Alonso is still undecided on which formation to use at Real Madrid. “Honestly, speaking to him before the end of the season, I don’t think he’s entirely clear on it,” he admitted.
While the 5-2-3 system worked wonders at Leverkusen, Alonso knows that Real Madrid’s player profiles may require a different setup.
“We have to analyse the profile of players Madrid has and see if this system suits him,” Garcia said, hinting that the former midfielder won’t be married to one system if it doesn’t fit.
How is Xabi Alonso like?
Xabi Alonso has been named Real Madrid’s new manager. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
On Alonso’s management style, Garcia praised his balance between being approachable and maintaining authority.
“For me, he’s very relatable. He has a special connection with the players thanks to the titles they’ve won, but when he needs to shout, he does,” Garcia noted.
Although he did mention that training under Alonso is no laughing matter. “He doesn’t like to make fun of things. He likes training to be the time to work.”
Interestingly, Alonso’s strict stance on punctuality also came into focus. “We’ve had a few cases of important players who have been late to a match call-up and he’s left them on the bench,” Garcia revealed.
However, he questioned whether the same hardline stance would work in Madrid, particularly with superstars like Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Jr.
“Doing it with Mbappe or Vinicius? I don’t know how Xabi will handle it. It will be difficult for him, although the shouting, the scolding, and the fine will be the same.”
What does he demand?
Garcia has warned Mbappe of Alonso’s demands. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Perhaps most telling was Garcia’s emphasis on Alonso’s insistence on defensive work from all players, even forwards.
“If Mbappe saves himself a run, I don’t know how Xabi will handle it, but he’ll definitely put it in after the match. He wants all the players to run and be involved in defence.
“Speaking with him, I know he wants to try to involve the attacking players, especially to make that effort, a minimum, so that those behind have an easier time recovering the ball.”
This could set up interesting dynamics with flair players at Madrid who are used to a bit more attacking freedom.
Will Garcia join Real Madrid if Alonso calls?
Finally, when asked whether he would follow Alonso to Madrid if called, Garcia did not rule it out.
“We should have a conversation. When he called me for Leverkusen, he convinced me, and that says it all.”
However, he went on to mention that he is very happy with his life in Germany. “I’m fine at Leverkusen. Life in Germany has surprised me in a positive way,” he concluded.