Chapter 891 - 6: The Season Begins
That evening, Chen Zhong gathered with some old teammates, who were worried about Chen Zhong’s current situation, as he’s now playing for Real Madrid, not some second or third-tier team.
Basically, no player can retire at Real Madrid unless they retire from football entirely.
For example, Bell and Kroos.
Aside from the retirement issue, there is the performance issue. Chen Zhong no longer has the dominance he once had, and some critical Real Madrid fans have started to criticize him.
Some friends hope Chen Zhong can maintain his mindset and not lose his good reputation in the end, but Chen Zhong doesn’t mind.
In the new season, the tactics of Alonso at Real Madrid are already being built, and the first big test isn’t the season but the FIFA Club World Cup. Unlike before, with a large amount of prize money attracting many clubs, plenty are ready for action.
After successfully managing Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso will officially become Real Madrid’s new manager on June 2nd, and plans to abandon the three-center-back (five defenders) tactical system that shone in the Bundesliga, opting instead for a 4-3-3 formation.
Reportedly, Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title through tailored strategies and a three-center-back system.
However, facing Real Madrid’s current lineup and multiple key defenders (including Eder Militao, Rudiger, and Alva) being injured, he prefers a more flexible and suitable 4-3-3 for the current squad.
During the FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso will assess the status and potential of youth defenders like Raul Asensio and Heyson, and plans to emphasize encouraging Vinicius to give his all in both attack and defense to demonstrate team cooperation.
Additionally, Alonso’s tactical analyst Benyat Labain has previously watched Real Madrid’s recent matches to gather detailed data to assist the new manager in setting up formations.
Real Madrid’s upper management is also considering whether it’s necessary to bolster the defense through transfers to face upcoming challenges.
There is generally an optimistic attitude about whether Alonso can control the team’s locker room.
Not to mention, Alonso himself is a Real Madrid legend who once showcased his abilities at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and he has a good relationship with Real Madrid’s captain and spiritual leader Chen Zhong.
Even before it was confirmed Alonso would be coaching, the two had already been exchanging words publicly.
Alonso said, "He is very much looking forward to collaborating with Chen Zhong again."
Chen Zhong commented, "Alonso’s current achievements amaze him."
The Spanish coach Xabi Alonso’s coaching career at the Bernabeu is already showing a clear tactical outline.
This young manager, transitioning from Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid, decided to adjust his usual formation to a 4-3-3 system, forming a tactical continuity from his 3-4-2-1 framework in the Bundesliga.
The core of this adjustment lies in retaining and optimizing the flanking attack module—two wing-backs with forward thrust attributes will undertake similar tactical roles to Frimpong and Grimaldo during the Bayer Leverkusen period.
Real Madrid management is fully supporting Alonso’s tactical vision, with the primary target in the summer transfer window locked on the wing-back positions. Breakthroughs have been made on the right side, with Liverpool’s England international Alexander-Arnold almost certain to join, with his precise crossing and flank penetration abilities seen as key pieces to activate the front-line trio.
On the left side, Fran Garcia will continue to be trusted, but the club is also considering bringing in Manchester United academy product Alvaro Carreras as a rotation option to ensure the wing’s impact throughout the whole season.
Plans for defensive depth enhancement are also progressing simultaneously, with the center-back position targeting Juventus’ rising star Dean Heyson, whose mobility matches high-position defense needs.
The midfield focus is on Real Sociedad’s core Zubimendi, whose ability to organize from the back is expected to alleviate the tactical vacuum following Kroos’ retirement.
It is noteworthy that Alonso did not request large-scale squad changes but emphasized to management the importance of tapping into existing player potential, a strategy that maintains squad stability while creating tactical freedom for core players like Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham.
The tactical framework’s minor adjustments reflect the pragmatic philosophy of the young manager: injecting the vitality elements of the Bayer Leverkusen system into Real Madrid’s balanced offense-defense tradition from Ancelotti’s era.
Through retaining the three-forward configuration and the dual defensive midfielder protection mechanism, Alonso attempts to expand the attacking dimension while maintaining defensive density.
This gradual reform not only reduces risks of tactical transition but also reserves room for future system evolution.
Chen Zhong received a call from Alonso long ago, indicating that the team will focus on rehearsing the combined attack routines through the middle and flanks during pre-season preparations, while requiring front and midfield players to improve their off-ball movement efficiency.
With the addition of new signings like Arnold, Real Madrid’s wing corridor for the new season is expected to replicate Bayer Leverkusen’s iconic overlapping pass-and-cut cooperation, potentially shortening the team’s acclimation period.
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Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Real Madrid fans erupted in cheers, and players threw their commemorative shirts into the sky. Although Alonso had already arrived at Real Madrid’s training base, he was waiting for a signing ceremony, which conveniently took place today.