Overview

• Alonso took charge in June after Real Madrid’s underwhelming 2024-25 season under Carlo Ancelotti, who departed to coach Brazil.
• He has ruled that any player who fails to run or make sufficient effort will be left out of matchday squads, applying the mandate equally to all squad members.
• Real Madrid will open their Club World Cup campaign against Saudi champions Al-Hilal on June 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
• Former Liverpool teammate Javier Mascherano declined to wish Alonso luck because of his Barcelona loyalties but acknowledged his strong coaching record.
• Mascherano also praised 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono’s maturity after Real invested £38.5 million to sign him from River Plate.