Real Madrid has more egos in the squad than Barcelona, but unlike Barca, Xabi Alonso knows how to deal with egos.
Spoiler alert: Xabi Alonso is a terrific manager.
Real Madrid fans knew exactly what to expect from their new manager before he arrived, considering the season before last, he guided Bayer Leverkusen (yes, Bayer Leverkusen) to a Bundesliga title, and did it unbeaten, no less.
Xabi Alonso knows everything there is to know about the game. He's experienced it with his own body, being involved in some of the most iconic games, and playing alongside some of the best players, in the history of the game. Now, he's here to give those lessons to Real Madrid players.
But before anything else, Xabi Alonso wants to make sure the mentality is right at Real Madrid. He knows better than most that the squad is large right now, and this can cause problems in its own right. So, before changing around any positions or implementing tactics, Xabi Alonso did one thing.
And that ensured 100% buy-in from his players. If there was a player who didn't buy into his long-term plan, Alonso either convinced them or sold them.
Real Madrid has more egos in the squad than Barcelona, but unlike Barca, Xabi Alonso knows how to deal with egos.
Xabi Alonso on the difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona
When asked about Hansi Flick's ego comments at Barcelona, where he has stated that egos kill success, Xabi Alonso revealed the culture difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
For further clarity, Flick said: "The most important thing for me is that when the transfer window closes, everyone is 100 percent committed. It's important that there are no egos; that kills the chances of success,"
In his own words, Alonso said: “We want to be successful, with human qualities, with everyone feeling like they’re in the same boat, ready to row when necessary. We’re starting tough blocks and we need them all rowing in the same direction.”
That is the main difference between Barcelona and Real Madrid right now. Although it's early days, it's also the reason why Real Madrid has had a better start to the season than their Liga rivals.
Perhaps, unlike last season, Real Madrid players want to fight for the badge. They have a renewed reason to reclaim their dominance in Spain and Europe, which is an overlooked reason for the management change.
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best to ever do it, but Xabi Alonso has demanded greater respect from his players than Ancelotti did last season, and he's earned it from every individual.
One player's win is everybody's win, and one player's loss is every player's loss. There are no egos in this Real Madrid team... Not any that Alonso can't handle, anyway.