This is the big revolution of Xabi Alonso and a Real player had to change his habits
Real Madrid got their La Liga season off to a perfect start with a commanding 3-0 win away to Real Oviedo. A brace from Kylian Mbappé and a late goal from Vinícius Jr were enough to secure a victory and set the tone for this latest La Liga matchday. But beyond the scoreline, it's the team's new face that's intriguing. Thibaut Courtois, who has been impressive in his goals, revealed the specific expectations of Xabi Alonso, the Spanish team's new coach this season. A high, coordinated, and demanding defense is the ambition of the former Real Madrid and Liverpool player. He asks us to start well from the beginning, with a lot of forward pressure, defense... If we press very high, they have no way out; they only have the option of playing long. It's very difficult for the opponent to escape the pressure. "They can counterattack, but all the players are falling back, and that's the line we have to follow," explained Thibaut Courtois.
After two matches, the Merengues have still not conceded a single goal, and it may be thanks to this method. Courtois, repositioned higher up the pitch, describes a more active and intense role: "I run a lot, I have to stay focused to make the save and keep my goal clean." A metamorphosis that he welcomes with enthusiasm, convinced that this collective rigor is the key to the balance sought by Alonso.
L'Internaute
