Klinsmann Reveals Weakness in Xabi Alonso’s Tactics at Real Madrid

German football legend Juergen Klinsmann highlights potential obstacles that Xabi Alonso will face when implementing his tactics at Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso — appointed as Real Madrid’s new coach ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup replacing Carlo Ancelotti — plans to implement a pressing-based playing system.

“What I know right now is that you need a team that presses as a unit. We have 11 people, we need to make them work together and do the defensive work,” says Xabi Alonso.

The 43-year-old coach emphasizes the importance of teamwork in pressing and defending — a philosophy that according to Klinsmann could be hindered by two key Madrid players.