Is Real Madrid Ready for the FIFA Club World Cup Under Xabi Alonso?

Synopsis
Real Madrid has commenced training for the FIFA Club World Cup, under the new leadership of Xabi Alonso. With the first match approaching, the team is focused on refining their skills and fitness. Their journey in Miami promises exciting clashes against formidable opponents, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid starts training for the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Xabi Alonso leads the team as the new head coach.
- The team prepares for matches against Al Hilal, C.F. Pachuca, and RB Salzburg.
- The revamped tournament features 32 teams.
- Training focuses on fitness, possession, and tactical drills.
Madrid, June 9 (NationPress) Real Madrid kicked off their training on Monday, marking the initial session under the guidance of Xabi Alonso as the head coach of the first team. The Madridistas have begun preparations for the upcoming Club World Cup, with their first match set for Thursday, June 19 (IST).
Their journey will commence against Al Hilal at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium in a Group H encounter. Following this, they will go head-to-head with C.F. Pachuca from Mexico and Germany's RB Salzburg.
Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Brahim Diaz participated in parts of the session with the team.
The day's training began with fitness routines on the pitch, followed by a series of rigorous drills focusing on possession, control, ball movement, and pressing, conducted on both half and full pitches. The session at Real Madrid City wrapped up with intensive running drills.
Antonio Rudiger, Ferlan Mendy, Endrick, and Eduardo Camavinga are currently in their recovery processes, while Federico Valverde utilized the indoor facilities for workouts.
Alonso made his way to Real Madrid after parting ways with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he concluded a remarkable tenure. Under his leadership, Leverkusen accomplished historic feats, including their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season, remaining undefeated—a record unmatched in German football history.
The team also secured the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup, achieving a significant domestic treble. Their unbeaten streak reached 51 matches across all competitions, setting a new European record before a defeat in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Alonso started his coaching career at Real Madrid's youth academy, where he managed the U14 A team in the 2018-2019 season, winning both the League and the Champions Tournament.
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which includes 32 teams, will launch in the United States on June 14 and culminate with the final on July 13.