“He says things…” – Real Madrid summer signing talks up Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid are gearing up for the start of the 2025-26 campaign , which kicks off for them against Osasuna in less than two weeks’ time. Preparations have been far from ideal due to their involvement at the Club World Cup, which has meant a shortened pre-season schedule for Xabi Alonso’s squad.

The newest member of the squad is Alvaro Carreras, who joined from Real Madrid in the days after the Club World Cup came to an end. He has been training with his new teammates for the first time this week, and speaking to RMTV (via Diario AS), he gave his thoughts on his new head coach, and also the preparations that are being made for the new season.

“It’s intense, but above all it has very clear ideas, which is what I like. He says things as they have to be. I’ve been surprised by everyone, there’s a high level and that’s what I expected.”

“We are focusing on preparing, on getting ready, even though we have already been individually in the summer, but above all now to get to know each other as a group and collectively, which is what is going to give us all the titles.”

Carreras’ arrival means that Real Madrid now have three left-backs in Alonso’s squad, with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia both still at the club. However, the idea is for the former to depart, given that he is seen as being third in the pecking order – despite being the most experienced.

It remains to be seen how Carreras gets on during his first season as a Real Madrid player, but hopes are high. He is very capable of solving the club’s left-back issues, which have been present for several years.