ESPN FC Xabi Alonso's Madrid Debut Ends In A Tie
Jun 18, 2025
Frank Leboeuf, a French footballer and center-back, joins English defender Nedum Onuoha and Scottish analyst Stevie Nicol for a lively discussion on football's latest happenings. They dissect Real Madrid's rocky Club World Cup debut under coach Xabi Alonso, emphasizing the challenge of blending star talents like Mbappé and Vinicius. The trio also dives into the trend of players moving to the Saudi Arabian league, critiques Manchester City's form, and offers humorous takes on dramatic moments in football, all while anticipating upcoming tournaments.
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Real Madrid's Tactical Transition Challenge
- Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso need time to adapt to new tactics.
- Existing player habits from Ancelotti's era make immediate transformations unlikely.
Midfield Crisis at Real Madrid
- Real Madrid's midfield is their major structural weakness currently.
- The loss of key midfield veterans impacts both defense and attack supply chains.
Poor Front Three Dynamics
- Real Madrid's front three fail in teamwork and defense, weakening overall team cohesion.
- This contrasts sharply with rivals like PSG who excel in coordinated team play.