Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has hinted at potential squad changes following his team’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. The 4-0 loss has prompted reflection within the club, and the manager made it clear that improvement is needed ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Room for growth after a painful loss
Alonso acknowledged that the result against PSG was a harsh lesson but suggested it offered a clearer view of where the squad stands. He noted that the team is still in the early stages of development and emphasized the importance of self-assessment moving forward. While disappointed, the manager viewed the defeat as a necessary checkpoint to re-evaluate Real Madrid’s direction.
“We’re only at the beginning of this new cycle,” Alonso said, underscoring that there is significant scope to elevate performances. He admitted that the match provided valuable insight into the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Clarity and confidence ahead of new season
Although Alonso insisted that no formal decisions regarding transfers had been made during the tournament, he hinted that his evaluation of the team is already forming a foundation for next season’s strategy. The manager stated that the experience has solidified certain conclusions in his mind and that the team will undergo changes before the new campaign begins.
“This tournament has been revealing,” Alonso commented, suggesting that the conclusions drawn will shape Real Madrid’s approach heading into the 2025–26 season. He acknowledged that the current campaign has concluded and stressed that the coming months would bring adjustments.
Transfer talks and midfield questions
When pressed about the summer transfer window, Alonso was open about the club’s intention to strengthen. He confirmed that discussions around squad adjustments had not taken place during the Club World Cup but expressed a willingness to enhance the team’s quality.
Left-back Álvaro Carreras, currently with Benfica, is expected to join the squad in July, returning to a club where he previously played for Castilla. Outside of that, no confirmed transfer targets have emerged, though the midfield remains a point of contention. There are internal discussions about the need for a player capable of dictating tempo, but no clear candidate has yet been identified.
