Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: La Liga, Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid
Josh Lawless
Xabi Alonso has already decided to make a serious change to improve his Real Madrid squad after just a few training sessions.
Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Real as a player, took the reins at Los Blancos on 25 May and replaced his former boss Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.
The Spaniard has signed a three-year contract as manager and has already had the club's overwhelming backing with the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with further incomings expected.
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Only five players turned up to Alonso's first training session because of international commitments but Real now have their full squad together in Miami as they prepare for their first game in the revamped Club World Cup tournament.
Alonso's first game is against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday evening and already the 43-year-old and his coaching team have identified an area where the team must improve.
According to journalist Jorge Picon, Alonso and his staff feel as though the team are lacking speed in their play and has already made steps to address it.
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The quick movements were a feature of the World Cup winner's style of play at Bayer Leverkusen and as a result, Real coaches have placed a great emphasis on putting on intense training sessions full of pressing and in transition drills.
Alexander-Arnold has already made a huge impression on his teammates, who already deem him to be a "beast" physically as well as been in awe of his technical ability.
Alonso still demands more from him in two areas, specifically his defending and one-on-one situations.
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However, the 26-year-old has been enjoying training in his new surroundings - hailing the quality and the quickness.
"Hot to start with but a good session with some good things," Alexander-Arnold told Real's official website.
"[It was] good to get a feel of the ball and a feel of the heat training in this climate so it was a good session.
"[It was] high quality. The ball moves very fast. Obviously it's a lot different to what I'm used to in terms of the players and the style of play but it's good and I'm enjoying the change and I'm enjoying being a part of it.
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"It feels really good and I'm happy to be here to be honest."
Real's first Club World Cup kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday as they look to get off to a winning start in Group H, where they will also play Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg.