In a significant shift, Real Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso has revived a familiar yet recently abandoned training routine ahead of their clash with Liverpool. The Basque manager announced that the team will now conduct morning training sessions at their Valdebebas training facility the day before each Champions League match. This change, reminiscent of José Mourinho’s era, aims to enhance focus and maintain tactical secrecy. The team is set to depart for England on Monday at 16:00 local time, landing around 17:30.
Alonso emphasized the importance of preparing in their own environment, stating, “We need to prepare for the match, and we prefer to do it in our training center, in our space. We want to avoid being caught by 200 cameras!” His comments suggest a wariness of media scrutiny, particularly from English outlets known for their aggressive coverage. This strategic move aims to shield the team’s preparations from prying eyes and potential espionage tactics.
Injury Updates: Arda Güler Cleared to Play
On the player front, there is good news regarding Turkish midfielder Arda Güler, who is expected to feature against Liverpool. After an injury scare during the match against Valencia, where he twisted his ankle early on, Güler has been cleared by medical staff. The club confirmed that his substitution was purely precautionary, alleviating concerns about a more serious issue. Given the number of absentees in the squad, this news comes as a relief for Alonso and the fans alike.
Squad Challenges Ahead of Liverpool Showdown
However, the squad faces considerable challenges with several key players unavailable for selection. David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Carvajal were already ruled out prior to the trip. Furthermore, reports emerged this morning indicating that young talent Mastantuono will also miss the journey to England due to pubalgia. His absence further complicates Alonso’s tactical options as he prepares for one of the most crucial matches of the season.
The situation surrounding Güler’s fitness is particularly encouraging as Real Madrid seeks to fill the void left by the injured Argentine players. With a significant number of absences impacting team dynamics, Alonso’s decision to keep training details under wraps may prove beneficial in maintaining an element of surprise against their opponents.
As Real Madrid gears up for this high-stakes encounter with Liverpool, all eyes will be on how these strategic adjustments and player availabilities impact their performance on the pitch. Will Alonso’s calculated approach lead to a successful outcome? Only time will tell.
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