Real Madrid’s Two-Year Xabi Alonso Rebuild

Xabi Alonso rebuild is no overnight fix, the new Real Madrid coach reminded fans after a bruising 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final. The Spaniard labelled the task a “two-year project,” urging patience while he and his staff reshape a squad he believes still lacks depth and balance.

Xabi Alonso Rebuild Faces First Reality Check

The humbling in Riyadh exposed familiar frailties. With Toni Kroos suspended and Vinícius Júnior sidelined, Madrid struggled to move the ball through midfield and posed little threat in transition. Alonso accepted responsibility but stressed that one result will not derail long-term planning: “We knew setbacks would come; the vision remains the same,” he said.

Balancing Experience and Youth

Alonso’s blueprint is to blend veterans like Luka Modrić with emerging names such as Arda Güler. However, squad churn is inevitable. Reports in Spain suggest at least four signings are targeted this summer, including a ball-winning midfielder and a left-sided defender to ease the burden on David Alaba.

Board Backs the Project

President Florentino Pérez is said to support the timeline. Sources close to Valdebebas indicate Alonso’s contract includes performance checkpoints but no immediate silverware clause, a sign the hierarchy recognises the scale of renovation required after mixed recruitment in recent windows.

Next Up: Chelsea for Consolation

Madrid face Chelsea on Saturday in the third-place play-off. Alonso wants a reaction: “We owe our supporters intensity and pride, regardless of the stakes.”

Opinion: The defeat was painful, yet ripping the band-aid early could help. If Madrid grant Alonso genuine authority—and two full transfer windows—this reset might return the European giants to their swaggering best.