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As the FIFA Club World Cup nears, the anticipation for every Real Madrid fan grows astronomically. After all, there is a real sense of excitement over what Xabi Alonso will bring to the table in his first season in charge of Los Blancos.
The Spanish tactician saw great success at Bayer Leverkusen with his dynamic style of play that adapted to the opponents irrespective of what was at stake and many expect him to maintain the same ambitious style of football at Real Madrid.
MARCA, however, go a step further and bring out the details of Alonso’s blueprint at Madrid and what the coach intends to change at the club.
Clear doctrines in place
As per the report, the new manager, who is overseeing his first training session at Real Madrid today, has some clear doctrines about the brand of football he wants his team to play that cannot be compromised and a clear idea of the structure he wishes to advocate.
For starters, Alonso is expected to stick to a 4-3-3 setup, the same formation that Carlo Ancelotti largely stood by during his time at the club. A key difference, however, will be the intent the team are seen projecting.
Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Unlike the version they adopted under Ancelotti where they waited for opposition errors, Alonso hopes to have his team impose themselves on opponents under him with more possession to their name and better build-up sequences from the back.
He also plans to improve players’ pressing off the ball and involvement in the defensive aspect. He will urge his men to provocatively push in midfield and in the final third to force errors from the opponents and actively win the ball back. Controlling central spaces will be the key.
He is also expected to strongly advocate for central progression and creating 1v1 situations for wingers to capitalise on the pace and dynamism his team has on the wings.
The new coach is not expected to make drastic changes in personnel beyond the transfers already completed and has it on his mind to extract the best version of players who have been on a recent slump.
Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo, on that front, are two players he wishes to give a better role should they show their class again.
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Following the extension of Jesus Fortea this past week, Real Madrid have now secured the renewal of Mario Rivas, another standout talent from La Fabrica’s highly rated 2007 generation, reports MARCA.
The young centre-back, who turned 18 in March, was next in line for the club’s “protection operation” – a plan to offer long-term contracts with high release clauses (above €50 million) to youth players as they reach adulthood, safeguarding them from interest across Europe.
Agreement done
And, as per the report, the agreement with Rivas is now complete. He will sign on for a minimum of three additional years, with only the formal signing ceremony remaining, which is expected in the coming days.
This is a significant move for Real Madrid, who are now locking down one of their most promising defenders.
Rivas was a mainstay under Raul Gonzalez at Castilla, with the former striker identifying him as a key figure in his backline. The 18-year-old has already caught the eye of the first team as well.
Mario Rivas (third from left) set to renew. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Despite being officially part of Juvenil A this season, Raul brought him into the Castilla squad from the very beginning, giving him a starting role throughout the year.
Rivas played 30 matches for Castilla, seven for Real Madrid C, and six with Juvenil A across the UEFA Youth League and domestic competitions. His strong campaign earned him three first-team call-ups under Carlo Ancelotti – two in LaLiga and one in the Copa del Rey.
Key role under Alvaro Arbeloa?
Next season, Rivas will be a full-time Castilla player under the command of Alvaro Arbeloa, who is set to overhaul the team’s defence.