Former Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo, who came through the Real Madrid youth system and later played in La Liga for clubs including Almeria, Valencia, and Sevilla, has spoken highly of Xabi Alonso’s work since taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Although Negredo never made an official appearance for Real Madrid’s first team, his experience in the club’s environment gives weight to his views.
In an interview with AS, Negredo was asked whether he had expected Alonso to become a top-level coach. He replied,
“Xabi Alonso is a very young coach, full of enthusiasm and desire. He hasn’t been doing this for very long, but I was lucky enough to be with him in the dressing room, and you could see he would be a good coach.
“At the end of the day, playing for Madrid comes with a lot of pressure, and having been a player at big clubs, I think he knows how to handle it.”
Negredo also reflected on the team’s early-season challenges, including a heavy defeat against Atletico Madrid, but praised Alonso’s ability to stabilise the squad.
“They had a rough patch against Atletico Madrid, but I think Xabi Alonso has had a very good start to the season.”
Balancing attack and managing players
Negredo praised Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The former striker also discussed the challenges of managing an attacking lineup, noting the delicate balance between tactical setups and player mentality.
“It’s a difficult situation. Everyone wants to play, but it’s true that some players give you a lot in attack.
“That’s why I think Xabi Alonso doesn’t take risks by putting three forwards on, but instead uses a 4-4-2 system, which works very well for Real Madrid, with all its offensive potential.
“I imagine that Xabi knows how to manage this well, rotating players so that no one gets upset and everyone can get those minutes to have a good competition.”
Negredo, speaking from experience, also offered advice on how players should respond when they don’t get regular minutes.
“Every player wants to play. It’s important to know how to manage that, to know how to help the player when he’s not playing, but also to show the coach that you’re ready when your time comes.
“You can’t get angry or upset, because every player, especially at Madrid, wants to play.
“You have to be patient and know that your minutes will come, and then you have to make the most of them,” he concluded.