Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Real Madrid, has granted his players a rare four-day break during the international break, a decision that has surprised many.
With nine players remaining at Valdebebas due to not being called up for international duty, Alonso has opted to give them some well-deserved rest. This break comes after the team engaged in a closed-door friendly against Castilla. However, not all players will enjoy this downtime. Injured stars like Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy will continue their rehabilitation at Valdebebas under the watchful eyes of the medical and fitness staff.
Strategic Rest or Risky Move?
The decision to provide a break could be seen as a strategic move by Alonso to ensure his squad remains fresh for the upcoming fixtures. The collective training sessions are set to resume on Monday, October 13, when Alonso will gradually welcome back his international players. The last of the Madrid stars on international duty will conclude their matches by Tuesday, October 14, marking the beginning of Real Madrid’s preparation for their next competitive match.
This bold decision by Alonso raises questions about its impact on team dynamics and performance. While rest is crucial, maintaining match fitness is equally important. The coming weeks will reveal whether this gamble pays off as Real Madrid aims to maintain its form in both domestic and European competitions.