Francesco Mauri: "Xabi Alonso is the ideal choice for Real Madrid

As Spanish football enters a festive break, nostalgia sweeps through the hearts of Real Madrid supporters. The year 2025 has been forgettable for the club, but the Madridismo can look back on a more glorious past, particularly during Carlo Ancelotti‘s tenure. In an exclusive interview with AS, Francesco Mauri, a vital member of Ancelotti’s technical staff during both of his stints at the club, shared insights into that era. From 2013 to 2015, Mauri served as a physical trainer before stepping up as Ancelotti’s second assistant, working closely with his son, Davide.

Mauri is not just any assistant; he possesses expertise in data analysis and set-piece strategies. He vividly recalls the moment when Dani Carvajal scored with a header during the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. “We realized that shorter full-backs could be effective in the box,” he explained. “Players like Dani and Lucas Vázquez embraced this tactic perfectly.” Carvajal’s pivotal role in creating space for goals, particularly for Antonio Rüdiger, was crucial. Dortmund had studied their tactics, focusing on blocking rather than marking closely, which allowed Carvajal to find freedom for his header. “It was a well-deserved reward,” Mauri added.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Flexibility

Mauri elaborated on Ancelotti’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing his adaptability and deep tactical analysis. “Carletto is the king of flexibility,” he stated. “His approach is often misunderstood because he doesn’t adhere to a fixed style; instead, he tailors his tactics to fit his players and their profiles.” This versatility has been key to Ancelotti’s success across various clubs throughout his career.

Mauri pointed out that critics often overlook Ancelotti’s tactical acumen in favor of labeling him as merely a manager who handles groups well. “He has explored numerous systems and applied what makes sense based on his squad,” Mauri explained. The assistant coach also highlighted Ancelotti’s obsessive passion for tactics: “We spend countless hours in video sessions discussing our strategies and studying opponents deeply to set traps.”

Xabi Alonso: The Right Man for Real Madrid

Francesco Mauri knows Xabi Alonso well from their time together at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He believes Alonso is well-suited to lead the current squad despite facing challenges early in his managerial career. “Be patient with him; he’s still figuring out how to get results,” Mauri urged. He emphasized that Alonso’s struggles are not due to player relationships but rather finding a winning system that breeds confidence.

Alonso’s authority within the locker room has been tested as he navigates various player egos. According to Mauri, results dictate perceptions at Real Madrid: “If you’re not winning, people question your knowledge of football.” This pressure can create an impression of instability when it may simply be a matter of time for Alonso to establish himself.

Maintaining Balance with Vinícius Júnior

Currently serving as Ancelotti’s assistant with the Brazilian national team, Mauri continues to monitor Real Madrid’s stars like Vinícius Júnior. Despite Vinícius not scoring since early October—his last goals coming against Villarreal—Mauri remains confident in his abilities. “He’s a nightmare for defenders; I wouldn’t trade him for anyone,” he asserted. The Brazilian’s competitive spirit is vital to his game; removing that edge would diminish his impact.

Mauri stressed that while Vinícius might not contribute defensively as much at times, his offensive threat is invaluable: “Vini gives so much offensively that he needs moments to recover.” With impressive physical statistics—speed and intensity among the best on the team—Mauri insists that balance is key for Vinícius’ success.

In addition to discussing Vinícius, Mauri addressed Endrick’s recent loan move to Olympique Lyonnais. He believes this opportunity will benefit Endrick ahead of the World Cup: “His lack of playing time isn’t alarming; many players have gone through similar phases.” He remains optimistic about Endrick’s future and will keep a close eye on his development during this loan spell.