The new era at Real Madrid has begun. With a different coach, with very clear ideas, and with a very clear way of seeing soccer.
Xabi Alonso hasn't taken long to leave his mark in the white locker room and has already sent the first message that many interpreted as inevitable. No, it hasn't been a general warning. It had a specific name and surname.
In a locker room full of stars, the most difficult thing for a coach is to make everyone pull in the same direction. Especially if it's the biggest star in the world.
This is where Xabi Alonso wanted to assert his authority from the very first minute. No exceptions.
The message is clear: everyone runs here
Xabi Alonso doesn't want to repeat some of last season's mistakes. He wasn't there, but he has studied them in detail.
He has watched matches, consulted the coaching staff, and he knows exactly where he wants to improve. One of the priorities is the team's defensive commitment, something that wasn't always a constant with Kylian Mbappé on the field.
This is the key to the conversation that has come out of Valdebebas. Xabi Alonso has been direct with Mbappé: he wants him to drop back to defend, to press, to work like the rest.
He wants him to be a leader not only with goals, but with attitude. He hasn't hesitated to tell him so.
Not even Ancelotti dared with Mbappé
The scene has caused surprise. Not because of the content, but because no one had ever dared to demand that from Mbappé before. Not in Paris, not with the French national team, not even Ancelotti.
But Alonso is different. He has been an elite player, he has shared a locker room with true stars, and no name impresses him.
In fact, some in the locker room have welcomed this reaction. A coach who demands the same from everyone.
Who doesn't make distinctions. Who has a plan and doesn't intend to change it even if he has the brightest jewel in world soccer in front of him.
Mbappé, face to face with the white demands
Now the ball is in Mbappé's court. His arrival at Real Madrid marks the beginning of a new stage in his career.
With more spotlights, more responsibilities... and less room for relaxation. Because in this Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, everyone runs, even Mbappé.
The emergence of Gonzalo García means a wake-up call for everyone.