Real Madrid's announcement of their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup highlighted the rising excitement surrounding new coach Xabi Alonso. Instead of star players like Kylian Mbappé, it was Alonso’s face that dominated the imagery, reflecting fan excitement for his arrival. Officially appointed on May 25 after the LaLiga season ended, Alonso's first training session took place on June 9, and the team now prepares in Florida. Details about his coaching strategy remain sparse, with fans eagerly dissecting training sessions and early images for insights into what is to come.
When Real Madrid marked their upcoming involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup with a post on their social media accounts on Saturday, the biggest face in the composite image wasn't that of star striker Kylian Mbappé.
It has been only a few weeks, but already Madridistas couldn't be more excited about the Alonso era, his messianic promise outshining the combined star power of three of the game's most high-profile players.
Beyond the hype, clues as to exactly what Alonso has planned for the team have been scarce.
Every image has already been pored over and analyzed by fans. In one photo, from a set released by the club on June 9, Alonso sits in an office with five of his key coaching staff.
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