Xabi Alonso offers cryptic response on possible XI for the CWC

As usual, Journalists will always be journalists and will try to push you to the edge just to get a piece of information. At half past midnight today, Xabi Alonso and Real landed at the Palm Beach international airport, Florida. They look to get ready in time for their opening group match on Wednesday.

Xabi on his arrival in Miami, took time out to say a few words to the media team this morning. The journalists were very clear about what information they wanted, and went straight to the point. The first question aimed at the Spaniard was his possible starting XI, to which he offered a straightforward response:

“It’s still too early to think about that now.”

He then continued by saying:

“Everything has to be sped up for this tournament. We don’t have a lot of time to get to know each other.”

With the game fast coming 3 days from today, Real Madrid will face Al Hilal on Wednesday night. Xabi has the next 48 hours to determine what works and what doesn’t. Players like Vinicius, Arda Guler and Lunin have only joined the camp today. It will be their first training session under the Spaniard.

The start of a new era under Xabi Alonso.

In as much as it’s a new tournament, it’s also the beginning of what Real Madrid fans see a renewed hope. The team is coming off the back of a season where they were far behind competition, and will look to make a statement in the club World Cup.

It’s the perfect platform for Xabi Alonso to make a statement of intent, and the world will be watching. This is also an opportunity for players like Rodrygo to redeem themselves.

With the manager refusing to give anything away, fans are left to wonder what formation he will use, who plays and who doesn’t. At least until Wednesday when they take to field the first game in the Xabi Alonso’s era.