a day ago
What Xabi Alonso instructs his Real Madrid players during cooling break at Club World Cup
Like the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the current Club World Cup in the United States has introduced cooling breaks during matches.
Players get one break per half where they can head to the touchline, cool down, and drink water. These short pauses are not only great for the players' health but also offer a golden chance for coaches to talk strategy.
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Just like a basketball timeout, managers use this moment to make quick tactical changes that can swing the match in their favour.
Alonso's tactical changes
Xabi Alonso has become one of the best at using these breaks. During these brief moments, he calls every player to the sideline and gives clear, simple instructions about what he wants from them.
He tells each player exactly what to do at every point in the game, helping them stay organised and focused.
Thanks to these mini team talks, Real Madrid often look like a different team after the cooling break. They come back sharper, more united, and better prepared for the rest of the game.
Xabi Alonso has taken full advantage of the cooling breaks. (Photo by)
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So far, Alonso's smart use of these cooling breaks is paying off big time. Real Madrid are unbeaten at the Club World Cup under his guidance.
They started the tournament with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, but then bounced back strongly.
They went on to beat Pachuca, RB Leipzig, and most recently, Juventus. In each of these matches, Alonso's precise instructions during the cooling breaks have helped Madrid regain control and find their rhythm.
Won't last long
However, this advantage won't last forever. Once the temperatures drop and the weather cools down, the rules will no longer allow these mid-half breaks.
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That means Alonso will lose this chance to reset his team during games. But for now, he's using every opportunity to show his quality as a coach and get the best out of his players.
Next up, Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in a huge quarter-final clash. Fans will be eager to see if Alonso's tactical talks during cooling breaks can keep their unbeaten run alive and help them move one step closer to lifting the trophy.
