Xabi Alonso stresses Real Madrid is a 'two-year project' as new coach looks for the positives from PSG demolition

Alonso stressed that Madrid remains a “two-year project” after the club fell to a 4-0 crushing defeat against PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final. With Dean Huijsen suspended and Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, Alonso opted for a different defensive system than the one used earlier in the tournament. PSG capitalised early, scoring twice within the opening 10 minutes, and maintained control throughout as Madrid struggled to gain a foothold.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, Alonso gave a frank assessment of his side’s performance, calling for patience as his tenure gets underway. He said: “The start of the match was very important. We had a good opponent, and it got really tough after the 10th minute. PSG is playing well. It's a two-year project, and we've only been here a short time. We have to work, calmly, but it obviously hurts.”

Reflecting on the failed tactical switch and the pressure of falling behind early, he admitted the plan backfired: “The two goals put a lot more pressure on you. They force you to keep up. You know you can't get off balance. They're at a good level, we saw that today. We have a lot to learn from today.”

Alonso also underlined the value of the defeat as a learning experience, while noting the lack of training time since taking over: “Today's results are good for us, showing us how much we still have to improve. PSG is doing things well, and we still have things to do. We're in a competitive environment, practically without training. Now we need a break, but we'll be back in four weeks.”

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Despite boasting talents like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, they registered just two shots on target against the Champions League winners. The loss not only ends their Club World Cup hopes but also casts doubt over the depth and balance of the squad. Still, Alonso framed the defeat as part of a longer project and not a crisis. Madrid’s demolition at New Jersey marked one of their heaviest losses in an international tournament in over a decade.

Alonso and his squad now head into a brief break before the new season begins. They have requested their opening La Liga game be postponed to let the players rest, but they may be forced to play the game as originally scheduled.