Xabi Alonso’s confidence in Madrid’s midfield and his conversation with Arda Güler: “We can be dominant, I’m convinced.”

In the heart of the field lies the crux of Real Madrid‘s strategy as they prepare to face Pachuca in the second round of the World Club Cup. The pivotal question is whether to invest in a new midfielder or to rely on the current squad. Upon their arrival in Charlotte, Xabi Alonso firmly stated, “We are in competition, we do not think about the future,” showing confidence in the capabilities of his squad members in the midfield.

Alonso emphasized, “Right now, we’re focused on the World Cup, not on how to improve the roster. I believe strongly that with our current players, we can have a dominant midfield with various profiles.” He highlighted the importance of  ambition  over anxiety regarding performance.

“I have sensed a strong desire to improve, to explore different styles, owing to the new coaching staff,” he explained. “This has energized day-to-day activities, and there is a palpable sense of  positive calm . The challenge is to ensure that our midfield functions effectively with the players we have,” he insisted.

Two players stand out in this dynamic: Aurelien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler. Tchouaméni has been labeled by Alonso as a “key pillar” of the team. “He’s essential because he has to make quick decisions in various scenarios.” Meanwhile, young prospect Güler needs to “stay close to the ball.” “The more he touches the ball, the better,” Alonso remarked.

In a bid to understand his role under the new coach, the young Turkish player shared excitement about his discussions with Alonso. “I am very motivated,” Güler said. “He has been a great player, a legend. He told me that if I play as a 6 or 8, he wants me to push forward and assist in creating plays. If I play as a 10, I should work between the lines and create opportunities. I prefer that to playing on the wing; it suits me better,” he acknowledged.

Tchouaméni, exhibiting a better command of Spanish than the shy Güler, reflected on Alonso’s arrival and the midfield’s necessities. “He is a very intense coach. He demands high energy on the pitch, and we will get better every day,” Tchouaméni commented. He reiterated his preference for playing as a midfielder rather than a center-back but remains compliant to the coach’s decisions: “Of course, I prefer playing in midfield; however, it’s up to the coach.”

When quizzed about the potential need for a new signing, Tchouaméni responded lightheartedly, “What do you think?” He emphasized that these decisions are not his concern: “You should ask the president or the manager. My responsibility is to play in the midfield and support the team.” He went on to reveal that it has been a “challenging” few weeks for the squad. “We had to watch the Champions League final from home, and that was tough. There’s a strong desire to win and secure this title. We understand the expectations of this club, and we must collect trophies,” he concluded.