A new era of tactical **reformation** is underway at Real Madrid, according to Sergio Francisco, coach of Real Sociedad. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 12, 2025, Francisco detailed the significant changes implemented by new Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso, highlighting a shift in playing philosophy and overall team dynamics. Francisco’s insights arrive just ahead of Real Sociedad’s La Liga match against Real Madrid at the Estadio de Anoeta on September 13, 2025.
Francisco’s Perspective on Alonso’s Impact
Sergio Francisco’s observations carry weight, given his history with Xabi Alonso. The two coaches shared time as players at Sanse for six months and later collaborated within Real Sociedad’s youth system at Zubieta for three years. This shared background provides Francisco with a unique vantage point to assess the changes Alonso is enacting at Real Madrid.
According to reports published by Diario AS on September 12, 2025, Francisco stated that Alonso has “changed things” at Real Madrid. He specifically noted a departure from the previous playing style, emphasizing a more possession-based and combinative approach.
Tactical and Stylistic Shifts
Francisco elaborated on the specific tactical adjustments he’s witnessed under Alonso’s leadership. As reported by Managing Madrid on September 13, 2025, Francisco noted that Real Madrid now “wants the ball more” and exhibits a greater emphasis on intricate passing sequences. He also highlighted an increased “aggressiveness after losing the ball,” suggesting a concerted effort to win back possession quickly and efficiently. This shift indicates a move towards a more proactive and dominant style of play.
Furthermore, Francisco observed a higher level of collective play within the team. He described Alonso’s Real Madrid as tending to “sink opponents in their own half,” creating a “feeling of being dominated,” even if the pressure does not always translate into a high number of scoring chances. This strategic approach reflects a desire to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game.
The Alonso Blueprint: Possession and Control
The changes implemented by Xabi Alonso extend beyond mere tactical adjustments. According to FotMob’s report on September 12, 2025, Alonso’s methodology includes earlier arrival times for players, more intense training sessions, and the integration of advanced technology, such as drones and video analysis, into the team’s preparation. These modifications aim to revolutionize the club’s culture and push players to new physical and tactical levels.
Restoring Balance
Francisco believes that Alonso’s influence has brought “a bit more balance” to Real Madrid, as stated in his press conference and reported by various sports news outlets. This newfound equilibrium stems from a clear desire to control possession and dictate the terms of engagement. By prioritizing possession and implementing a more structured approach, Alonso aims to create a more cohesive and resilient team.
Alonso’s return to Real Madrid follows a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to a historic Bundesliga title. He now faces the challenge of revitalizing Real Madrid after a trophy-less season under Carlo Ancelotti. The pressure is on Alonso to deliver results and restore Real Madrid to its former glory.
Early Success Under Alonso
The initial signs are promising. Real Madrid has started the La Liga season with a perfect record of three wins from three games under Alonso’s guidance. While it is still early in the season, these victories demonstrate the immediate impact of Alonso’s changes and the team’s willingness to embrace his vision. The team’s perfect start, confirmed by La Liga official data, fuels optimism among fans and pundits alike.
The Ultimate Goal: Competing for Titles
The ultimate goal for Xabi Alonso is to guide Real Madrid to compete for every possible title. By fostering a culture of discipline, innovation, and collective responsibility, Alonso seeks to unlock the full potential of his players and create a team capable of challenging for domestic and European honors. As stated in a report by Managing Madrid, Alonso’s vision extends beyond immediate results, aiming to establish a sustainable model for long-term success.
Sergio Francisco’s observations provide valuable insights into the ongoing transformation at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso’s leadership. The emphasis on possession, tactical discipline, and technological innovation suggests a clear and ambitious vision for the future. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the early signs indicate that Alonso is well on his way to reshaping Real Madrid into a formidable force.
