The world of football went crazy this week after the surprising announcement of the new Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso, about the team squad for the next season. Alonso revealed his ambitious plans to remodel the squad in a recent press conference. The young star Arda Güler will assume a new role and the star signing of the club, Kylian Mbappé, will no longer play as a center striker. Instead, Alonso hinted at a surprising substitute for French, which left the fans and the analysts shocked and unleashed a broad debate about the future of the Spanish giant.
Alonso, who will officially replace Carlo Ancelotti on June 1, 2025, soon expose his vision for Real Madrid. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach, acclaimed for leading the German team to an undefeated title of the Bundesliga in 2024, is known for its tactical creativity and its ability to boost young talent. The appointment generated enthusiasm, but his latest statements have generated controversy. “Arda Güler will play in a different position that adapts to her vision and creativity. As for Kylian, she is not just a striker; she is a versatile player and capable of changing the game. We have another name in mind for the central position,” Alonso declared in his first press conference as Real Madrid coach. Her enigmatic words have fed speculation about the tactical direction of the club and the players that will define it.
The Turkish sensation Arda Gular, 20, has been considered for a long time as a future Real Madrid star. However, under the command of Ancelotti, he has had difficulty finding minutes of play constantly, being often relegated to the bench or assigned to unknown roles. Despite some brilliant moments, including outstanding performances towards the end of the 2024-25 season, Gular’s development has been hindered by the shortage of opportunities. However, Alonso seems to see the young midfielder as a key piece of his project. Some reports suggest that Alonso sees Gular as a possible successor of Luka Modric, whose departure from the club this summer has left a creative vacuum in the midfield. Guler’s technical, vision and talent have been compared to those of Florian Wirtz, from Bayer Leverkusen, a player Allonso has become one of the best attackers in Europe. Alonso seeks to release the potential of the young man and make him a regular holder, perhaps placing him in a medium -sized post as number 10 or in a pivot position with Federico Valverde.
The decision to move Kylian Mbappé del Centrodlantero is perhaps the most surprising element of Alonso’s plan. Mbappé, who arrived at Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, has been prolific in his first season in the League, scoring 28 goals. However, his society with Vinicius Jr. has not yet set at all, and critics point out the lack of chemistry between the two superstars. Alonso’s comments suggest that he wants to use Mbappé in a more dynamic role, perhaps on the left wing or as a second striker, where his speed and dribbling can wreak havoc. The tactical change is consistent with Alonso’s preference for the 3-4-3 or 5-3-2 system that he has successfully used in the Leverkusen. When moving Mbappé from the center of the field, Alonso seeks to create a more balanced attack that allows French to exploit space while maintaining defensive solidity.
Who will replace Mbappé as a center striker is still a very well kept secret, but speculation abounds. Some reports have linked the young Brazilian striker Endrick as a possible candidate. After having played little as a substitute with Ancelotti, Endrick has the physicist and the ability to definition to lead the offensive line. Others suggest that Alonso could look for a new signing, with players such as Kulusevski of Tottenham or Nico Williams of Athletic Club as possible accessories for Mbappé and Vinicius in a fluid offensive trident. Alonso’s emphasis on the development of young talents and tactical flexibility suggests that a striker who can press, connect the game and adapt to his high intensity system.
Beyond the most important changes, the arrival of Alonso marks a broader restructuring in Real Madrid. It is expected that the defense of the club, reinforced by new signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and young talents such as Raúl Asencio, constitute the backbone of the Alonso system. The coach’s approach on the sides and a high pressure game will require stars such as Mbappé and Vinicius to contribute defensively, a challenge given their reputation for prioritizing the attack. Meanwhile, players like Rodrygo face an uncertain future, with reports that suggest that Alonso could not consider the Brazilian as part of his long -term plans, which could lead to a high profile transfer.
While Real Madrid prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025-26 season, Alonso’s bold vision is both risky bet as a declaration of intentions. When repositioning Güler, redefining the role of Mbappé and introducing a new center striker, moves away from the pragmatic approach of Ancelotti. The fans are divided: some are excited about the perspective of a renewed template led by young talents, while others are skeptical of the possibility of destabilizing a team formed by consolidated stars. Whatever happens, Alonso’s changes promise to mark the beginning of a new era at Santiago Bernabéu, one that could redefine the identity of Real Madrid worldwide.
