Real Madrid forward sheds light on life under Xabi Alonso – ‘Intensity is the key word’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have started the new season on a strong note, winning four games in four in La Liga, sitting at the top of the table.

On Tuesday night, a new challenge awaits Xabi Alonso & co. as they begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a home match against Olympique de Marseille.

Since taking over, Alonso has made several changes at Real Madrid, be it the way in which they train and their style of play, and things seem to be headed in the right direction.

Rodrygo opens up on playing under Xabi Alonso

Speaking to UEFA (h/t Mundo Deportivo) ahead of their Champions League opener, Rodrygo opened up on what it is like to work with Alonso and the impact that the Spanish tactician has had in the short time he has been at the club.

“We’ve only been working with him for a short time, but it’s been long enough to see his intensity, to see how he approaches football every day, in training,” said Rodrygo.

“He always actively participates and helps a lot,” the Brazilian forward added.

Rodrygo is not a starter under Alonso. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Talking about the way Real Madrid play under Alonso’s tutelage, he noted: “I think intensity is the key word to describe Xabi Alonso and his style of play, keeping possession, always attacking with intensity.”

After deciding to continue his career at Real Madrid despite relentless speculations over his future in the summer transfer window, Rodrygo is now fighting to reclaim his place as a starter under Alonso, with firmly established values guiding him.

“I believe that values ​​like humility, discipline, and respect for teammates and opponents are things I learned from a very young age and that I still carry with me today,” Rodryo stated.

“I’m now 24 years old and I still respect those values, which I learned in my first training session, in my first match, and which are completely non-negotiable. My coaches and my family have always taught me that,” he further remarked.

Rodrygo has found minutes hard to come by under Alonso so far, but with the manager showing that he is willing to rotate players and the busy schedule ahead, the Brazilian will get his chance and must make the most of it.