“Wants his team to be protagonists" - Bayer Leverkusen star details Xabi Alonso's style of play as he takes over as Real Madrid boss

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia has outlined how Real Madrid could set up under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish manager left the BayArena last month to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement.

Speaking to AS, Garcia stated Alonso will want Los Blancos to have more control of the ball.

“He focuses on team balance and stability through possession. The two central midfielders are key in that system, as they help control the game and keep things flowing. Thanks to him, I have become more versatile and understand positioning much better,” said Garcia.

He continued:

“He wants his team to be protagonists with the ball and to dominate the game, and Madrid has been characterised by a very vertical game in recent years. Xabi won’t want to lose that virtue, which he also enjoyed as a player, but he will try to instill in the players to have more control of the ball.”

Garcia went on to add that the first few weeks at Real Madrid will be key to the team's success.

“The first few weeks at Madrid will be very important, and he knows how to be very precise in his instructions so that the players know what he wants from them,” said Garcia.

Finally, Garcia stated that Los Blancos forwards will have to contribute off the ball as well under Alonso.

“He knows they (forwards) have to (press). To win, everyone must contribute. I’ve spoken with him recently, and he’s already thinking about how the attackers will help in defence. He won’t ask them to press 50 times, but he will expect enough effort to win the ball back and create chances,” said Garcia.

Xabi Alonso will make his debut as Real Madrid manager at this month's FIFA Club World Cup.

Are Arsenal eyeing Real Madrid's Rodrygo Goes?

Arsenal are willing to offer Real Madrid €70m for Rodrygo Goes this summer, according to SPORT. The Brazilian forward's future with the LaLiga giants has been subject to speculation after a difficult season.

Rodrygo is no longer indispensable to Los Blancos' plans following Kylian Mbappe's arrival last summer. However, he has still registered 14 goals and 10 assists from 51 games this season.

Arsenal are now ready to offer him a chance at regular football, but Real Madrid reportedly want €100m for his signature. However, the LaLiga giants could let the 24-year-old go for less if he wants to leave.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava