Xabi Alonso has made a promising start to his tenure at Real Madrid, but questions linger about his tactical approach. Currently, his team leads La Liga by five points over rivals FC Barcelona, having secured ten victories in eleven matches. A highlight of their season thus far was the 2-1 win in the latest Clasico. In the Champions League, the results are similarly encouraging, with three wins from four group stage matches. However, the visual impression left by their play has sparked debate.
Julen Guerrero, a former Athletic Club legend, recently weighed in on Alonso’s tactical philosophy during a segment on Radio Estadio Noche. He expressed concerns that the Basque coach has not maintained the same audacity that characterized his approach during the Club World Cup. Guerrero noted, “There seems to be a lack of courage in his strategy; despite the positive results, I see a retreat in their style.” This perspective is particularly significant given Real Madrid’s setbacks against Atlético Madrid and Liverpool, where they appeared to lack inspiration and character against two highly intense teams.
Familiar Tactics but Limited Evolution
The early season displays from Madrid suggest remnants of Carlo Ancelotti‘s previous setup rather than a complete overhaul under Alonso. Guerrero pointed out that Alonso seems to have adopted a more pragmatic approach reminiscent of Ancelotti’s philosophy. “Xabi possesses talent and vision, but it appears he has prioritized results over developing an identity,” he remarked. Since the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, Alonso has predominantly employed a 4-3-3 formation—a system familiar to the squad—while seemingly stepping away from the three-defender setup that previously utilized wing-backs for width.
Interestingly, Vinícius Júnior continues to occupy his traditional left-wing position without shifting centrally, indicating a reliance on established patterns rather than innovative tactics. Guerrero criticized this lack of boldness, especially considering Alonso’s success at the Club World Cup where his strategies yielded effective results.
Promising Signs Amidst Criticism
Despite these critiques, there are signs that Alonso is introducing fresh ideas into the squad. Notably, Gonzalo—a young academy product—has made an unexpected impact as a starter, emerging as co-top scorer in recent competitions with four goals. This suggests that while Alonso may not be radically altering tactical frameworks, he is willing to integrate new talent into his plans.
The question remains: can Xabi Alonso strike a balance between achieving immediate results and establishing a distinctive playing style? As Real Madrid continues its campaign in both domestic and European competitions, fans will be eager to see if these tactical discussions translate into more dynamic performances on the pitch.
With the upcoming fixtures looming large and expectations high, the pressure is on Alonso to not only maintain momentum but also evolve this Real Madrid side into one that embodies both success and identity.
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