Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is set to revive a training strategy last employed by José Mourinho as the club prepares for its upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Liverpool, according to a report from MARCA, via Madrid Universal.
The report indicates that Alonso, who has already implemented several changes at the club since succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, is altering the team’s pre-match routine for the pivotal European away match.
Traditionally, Real Madrid trained at the host stadium on the day prior to the match. However, Alonso has now decided to break this tradition.
The new plan mandates that the players will train at 11:00 AM at the Valdebebas facility on Monday before travelling to Liverpool later in the afternoon. Upon arrival in England, the squad will proceed directly to their hotel.
The only representative to visit Anfield will be the coach and one selected player, who will attend the mandatory pre-match press conference in accordance with UEFA rules.
This strategic shift mirrors the protocol established by José Mourinho during his tenure as Los Blancos manager.
The Portuguese coach was previously the only Real Madrid manager to eschew training at the host stadium in favour of conducting the final session at home, a model Alonso will now adopt for the fourth round of the Champions League.