Real Madrid's humbling 4-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final exposes the daunting task that awaits Xabi Alonso as he prepares to take the reins at the Spanish giants. The match, held at MetLife Stadium, saw PSG dominate from the outset, with Fabian Ruiz scoring twice and Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos adding to the tally. Despite Kylian Mbappe making his first start against his former club, Real Madrid was unable to mount a comeback.

The defeat highlights the significant rebuilding required at Real Madrid, despite their history and prestige. PSG's dominant performance, fresh off their Champions League victory, showcased the gap between the two sides. Madrid's defense, already weakened by Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury, struggled to contain PSG's dynamic attack, with errors leading to early goals.

Alonso's appointment comes after a remarkable spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Taking over in October 2022, he transformed the team from relegation candidates to Bundesliga champions, implementing a sense of self-belief and empowering players to make their own decisions on the pitch. His success in Germany led to speculation about moves to Bayern Munich and Liverpool, but he ultimately chose to return to Real Madrid.

However, the scale of the challenge at Real Madrid is immense. The team needs fresh blood injected into the squad, especially in defense. The midfield also needs revamping with the aging legs of Kroos and Modric needing replacement. The PSG game exposed these deficiencies, with the team unable to cope with PSG's pace and intensity.

Alonso's tactical acumen and man-management skills will be crucial in revitalizing Real Madrid. He will need to instill a new philosophy, integrate young talents, and make tough decisions about the future of some of the club's established stars. His experience in building a team at Leverkusen will be invaluable, but the pressure and expectations at Real Madrid are on another level.

The loss to PSG serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead for Xabi Alonso. While his past success offers hope, the rebuilding job at Real Madrid will test his skills and resolve to the fullest. He will need time, patience, and the full backing of the club to restore Real Madrid to its former glory.