Valverde details Alonso midfield demands versus Ancelotti approach

Fede Valverde spoke about the coaching styles that separate Xabi Alonso from Carlo Ancelotti. The Real Madrid midfielder shared his thoughts after the team defeated Pachuca 3-1 during their FIFA Club World Cup match on Sunday. Alonso took over the manager role from Ancelotti just weeks earlier. The Spanish coach had left his position at Bayer Leverkusen to join Real Madrid. Ancelotti moved on to lead Brazil's national football team.

The Uruguay player explained how Alonso wants his midfielders to play differently. He said the new manager asks them to keep better control of the game. Alonso prefers his midfielders to stay higher up the field rather than come back toward their goal. The coach wants them positioned between the defensive and attacking lines. This allows the players to turn around quickly and push the ball forward.

Valverde's comments came after he helped his team secure another victory. Real Madrid continues their strong run under their new leadership. The midfielder has adapted well to Alonso's tactical approach. His performance against the Mexican club showed how the team is responding to the changes. The squad will test these new methods again when they meet RB Salzburg on Friday for their next Club World Cup game.