Xabi Alonso completed his first training session as Real Madrid’s manager on Monday, June 9, 2025, with club president Florentino Pérez emphasising the significance of the upcoming Club World Cup.
Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in May, began preparations at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground with a limited squad.
Due to international duty and injuries, Alonso worked with only five first-team players, supplemented by 10 reserve players.
His first match in charge will be against Al Hilal in Miami, Florida, on June 18, 2025, followed by group stage matches against Pachuca and RB Salzburg.
Real Madrid have bolstered their squad for the tournament with the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The club is also nearing a deal for Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras, although he is currently with his team in the United States and may not join before the special transfer window closes on Tuesday.
With just four training sessions left before the team’s departure to the United States on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Alonso faces a busy schedule to prepare his team for the Club World Cup.
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Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with former Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway
