In an interview with ESPN on 10/7, Bale was asked whether Alonso could help stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior play effectively as a cohesive unit.
"Looking at what Alonso did at Leverkusen, and now having better players, I think so," the former Wales forward replied. "I believe Alonso commands respect from the players. They will play their hearts out for him. I expect big changes, and they will comply, playing the way Alonso wants. If not, I don't think Alonso will hesitate to bench anyone."
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Manager Xabi Alonso (in black) consoles Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid lost 0-4 to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on 9/7/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Manager Xabi Alonso (in black) consoles Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid lost 0-4 to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on 9/7/2025. Photo: Reuters
Alonso is one of the most promising managers in Europe. In the 2023-2024 season, the Spanish manager led Leverkusen to a domestic double with an undefeated record, ending Bayern Munich's era of dominance. This summer, he returned to Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso only had about three weeks to work with the full squad before debuting at the FIFA Club World Cup. Real Madrid ended their disappointing journey with a 0-4 defeat to PSG in the semi-final on 9/7.
Mbappe garnered much attention in this match. The French forward developed at Monaco before transferring to PSG in the summer of 2017. During his 7 years playing for the Parisian club, he set the club's scoring record (256 goals) and won 15 titles.
Last summer, Mbappe declined a contract extension with PSG to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. His goal was to conquer the Champions League, the only title missing from his collection. However, this season, Real Madrid failed completely, being eliminated by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, while PSG won their first Champions League title and reached the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Bale defended Mbappe, stating that the French forward achieved impressive scoring feats. Individually, the 2018 World Cup champion won the La Liga Golden Boot with 31 goals and his first European Golden Shoe in his debut season in Spain.
"Mbappe is still scoring, still playing well, it's just that Real Madrid didn't win any major titles," Bale said. "So, now it's up to Alonso to find the balance between managing pressure, trying to maximize Mbappe's abilities, and conserving energy when needed. I don't want to criticize and say that Mbappe had a bad season."
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Gareth Bale celebrates a goal with Xabi Alonso during Real Madrid's victory over Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. Photo: Reuters |
Gareth Bale celebrates a goal with Xabi Alonso during Real Madrid's victory over Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. Photo: Reuters
Bale made history when he joined Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee of 113 million USD in the summer of 2013. After 9 years, the forward played 258 matches, scored 106 goals, and won 16 titles with the club, including three La Liga titles and five Champions League titles. Notably, Bale was Alonso's teammate during their 2013-2014 Champions League triumph.
"I had a very good season and could see Alonso becoming a great manager," Bale said of his former teammate. "Alonso is passionate about football, always on the training ground. He passes the ball, warms up before everyone else comes out, and he's very meticulous about everything and a perfectionist. I hope Alonso does well at Real Madrid."
Hong Duy (From ESPN)
