The recent 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid by Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal has delivered a harsh dose of reality for newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso. While Alonso's arrival at Real Madrid was met with excitement following a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, this defeat exposes several critical areas he must address to restore the club to its former glory.
One of the most glaring lessons from the match is the need for defensive solidity. Real Madrid's defense was repeatedly exposed by PSG's dynamic attack, with individual errors leading to multiple goals. Raul Asencio's poor control and Antonio Rudiger's miskick directly led to PSG goals, highlighting a lack of concentration and composure at the back. Alonso needs to instill greater discipline and organization in his defense, potentially through tactical adjustments and player development. The absence of Dean Huijsen due to suspension further exacerbated the defensive issues, underscoring the need for depth and versatility in the squad.
Another key takeaway is the importance of tactical flexibility. PSG, under Luis Enrique, showcased a fluid and adaptable approach, exploiting Real Madrid's weaknesses on both flanks. Alonso's Real Madrid appeared rigid and unable to respond to PSG's tactical shifts. Alonso needs to develop a more adaptable game plan, capable of adjusting to different opponents and in-game situations. This may involve experimenting with different formations, personnel, and pressing strategies.
The midfield battle was also decisively won by PSG. Real Madrid's midfield, typically a source of strength and creativity, was overrun by PSG's energetic and technically gifted players. Alonso must find a way to regain control of the midfield, either through personnel changes, tactical tweaks, or improved player conditioning. This could involve deploying a more defensively-minded midfielder to shield the back four or encouraging greater pressing intensity from the front players.
Furthermore, Alonso needs to address the team's attacking output. Despite possessing talented attacking players like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid struggled to create meaningful chances against PSG's well-organized defense. Alonso needs to find a way to unlock the team's attacking potential, potentially by encouraging more dynamic movement, improving the quality of crosses and through balls, or fostering greater synergy between the forwards. The question of how to best utilize both Kylian Mbappe and Gonzalo Garcia in the attack is another challenge Alonso will have to address.
Finally, Alonso must cultivate a winning mentality within the squad. The defeat to PSG was not just a tactical setback but also a psychological one, with Real Madrid appearing demoralized after conceding early goals. Alonso needs to instill a greater sense of resilience and determination in his players, fostering a belief that they can overcome any challenge. This may involve working on team cohesion, building confidence, and promoting a culture of accountability.
In conclusion, the humbling defeat against PSG provides Xabi Alonso with a valuable learning experience early in his Real Madrid tenure. By addressing the defensive vulnerabilities, enhancing tactical flexibility, revitalizing the midfield, unlocking the attacking potential, and cultivating a winning mentality, Alonso can steer Real Madrid back on the path to success. The task is undoubtedly challenging, but Alonso's tactical acumen, leadership skills, and deep understanding of the club make him well-equipped to navigate these challenges and restore Real Madrid's status as a dominant force in European football.
