Real Madrid’s preseason has kicked off with an intensity that leaves no room for doubt: Xabi Alonso has arrived with a clear intent to leave his mark from day one. The Basque coach has crafted physically and tactically demanding training sessions, and one of the players feeling the impact the most is young defender Dean Huijsen, who was visibly worn out at the end of Wednesday’s session.

A Double Session That Tested the Squad

On the third day of training at Valdebebas, Xabi Alonso scheduled a double training session — morning and afternoon — where he continued pushing his players to their limits physically, while also reinforcing the tactical principles he wants to instill in his first season at the helm of Real Madrid.

The day began with individualized gym work, before moving to the pitch for pressing drills, transition work, and small-sided games. In the afternoon, after four hours of rest, the players returned to the field for ball circulation exercises, finishing drills, and further tactical work — another session lasting over two hours.

Huijsen, A Symbol of the Team’s Effort

The image of Dean Huijsen, exhausted after completing both sessions, greeting Fran García and Kylian Mbappé while clearly fatigued, reflected the level of demand imposed by the new coaching staff. The Spanish defender, who is fighting for a place in the squad, was among the most physically affected by the day’s workload.

Real Madrid, who had only 24 days off following their participation in the Club World Cup (where they lost to PSG in the semifinals), face a short preseason of just 15 days — something that has sparked frustration within the club, especially after their appeal to postpone the league opener was denied.

Their only preseason friendly will be held on August 12 against WSG Tirol, just a week before their LaLiga opener versus Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu.

With players like Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Franco Mastantuono still unavailable for various reasons, Xabi Alonso continues to shape his squad with the resources at hand, firmly believing that success begins with hard work.