Alonso addresses back three idea and gives take on Flick egos comment

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has asked for calm regarding his side’s progress after a promising start to the season which has left his side at the top of the table. The Basque manager also addressed the management of dressing room egos.

Before the international break, the main story in Spain was Hansi Flick’s criticism that his players needed to put their egos aside in order to have success. In his first press appearance since, Alonso was asked about Flick’s assertion that ‘egos kill success’.

“We want to be successful, with human qualities, so that everyone feels in the boat, ready to pull in the same direction when necessary. We’re starting challenging blocks [of games], and we need everyone pulling in the same direction.”

Real Madrid progress update

The Real Madrid manager has impressed with the defensive improvement in his side early on. Los Blancos have conceded the least amount of big chances in La Liga (1) and have only conceded one goal through three games. Alonso was asked whether his side was where they want them.

“We’re still in the process of the journey currently. We want to keep changing things. Physically, we’re better, we’re getting back into the normal rhythm of playing every three days, and we need fresh players.”

Will Real Madrid use a back three this season?

They have done so with a back four, which has seen Dean Huijsen partnered by Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao. Alonso was asked about the possibility of playing with a back three, and his use of it in the Club World Cup.

“It was because the World Cup was a different context than it is now. We needed a game plan, not to build up to what we want now. It wasn’t three centre backs, it was one midfielder inserted there. I haven’t forgotten about it; we have five centre backs, so given the quality of the players, we can do it. The fact that it hasn’t happened in three games isn’t conclusive; there’s still a long way to go.”