Xabi Alonso clarified that Real Madrid will not be training at Anfield, citing the intense media presence and “200 cameras” as the reason for avoiding distraction ahead of their match.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed a surprising tactical shift ahead of the Champions League clash with former club Liverpool, opting to snub the customary pre-match training session at Anfield.
The move, which breaks with recent Real Madrid tradition under previous managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, will see Los Blancos hold their final session at their Valdebebas training base in Spain on Monday morning. They will then fly to Liverpool later that afternoon.
This strategic decision is seen as an adoption of the methods previously employed by managers like José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, who favour privacy over pitch familiarity.
Alonso and one player will still attend the mandatory UEFA press conference at Anfield, fulfilling media obligations before Tuesday’s game, but the squad will remain in Spain for as long as possible.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the former Liverpool midfielder was pointed about avoiding unnecessary public scrutiny of his team’s final tactical work.
“It’s my decision because we have to prepare for the match and we prefer to do it at our training ground, in our own space, so that we’re not surrounded by 200 cameras,” Alonso confirmed.
The decision highlights Alonso’s desire for complete control over his squad’s preparation, especially as his side, fresh off a 4-0 thrashing of Valencia, arrives at Anfield in contrasting form to the injury-hit Liverpool.
With Los Blancos aiming to secure their fourth consecutive Champions League win this season, minimizing disruption and preventing the opposition from gaining any last-minute tactical insight is paramount for the in-form Spanish giants.