The Athletic FC Podcast Real Madrid have collapsed - can Alonso fix them?
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May 12, 2025 Dermot Corrigan, a La Liga correspondent, alongside Guillermo Rai, a dedicated Real Madrid writer, and Seb Stafford-Bloor, a Bundesliga correspondent, dissect the chaos enveloping Real Madrid after a recent crushing defeat. They explore the team's defensive woes, individual talents like Mbappe, and the stark contrast with Barcelona's cohesive performance. The trio debates whether Xabi Alonso can revitalize the squad, navigating his successful Leverkusen tenure and the immense pressures of managing a club with lofty expectations.
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Contrasting Team Philosophies
- Barcelona's league success is due to Hansi Flick's high press and attacking system suited to their squad.
- Real Madrid's squad feels bloated with star players but lacks team cohesion and depth, especially defensively.
Ancelotti's Decline Amid Crisis
- Real Madrid's recurring Clasico defeats have put huge pressure on Carlo Ancelotti's tenure.
- Defensive injuries and squad mismanagement have hurt Madrid's ability to compete this season.
Alonso’s Bundesliga Impact
- Xabi Alonso disrupted Bayern Munich's dominance and revitalized Leverkusen with attractive football.
- His coaching elevated both individual talent and the club's competitive status, showcasing his potential as a top coach.