Three at the Back: Does Xabi Alonso Adjust, or Does Real Madrid?
Xabi Alonso is widely seen as the heir to the Real Madrid throne, but there’s a major tactical dilemma brewing. His success at Bayer Leverkusen has been built on a three-at-the-back system—one that doesn’t naturally fit with Real Madrid’s historic preference for a back four and winger-driven play.
Yes, Alonso is tactically flexible. He’s worked under Guardiola, Mourinho, Ancelotti, and others who thrived using back-four systems. He understands Real Madrid’s culture inside and out. But just because he can coach a traditional shape doesn’t mean he should. Why hire a manager and ask him to abandon the very style that made him elite?
Real Madrid has the power to hire anyone. But if they want Alonso, they should want all of him—his ideas, his tactics, his system. Otherwise, there are other coaches who already align with their traditions.
The toughest adjustment won’t be tactical. It’ll be cultural. The biggest challenge won’t be for Alonso—it’ll be for Real Madrid fans, who may need to evolve their expectations if they want the next era to be as dominant as the last.