After quite an underwhelming 2024-25 season so far, Real Madrid have made significant changes in their team to eliminate their most glaring weaknesses. The most notable of these changes has been the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and the arrival of Xabi Alonso.
There are very high hopes pinned on the new Merengue coach, but there is no doubt that he will need some more time to deal with the problems that he has inherited from his predecessor.
Rodrygo having a poor 2024-25 season
One such problem that the Spanish tactician will be looking to get over will be the situation of the forward Rodrygo Goes, who has had quite a poor season during which he lost his starting status.
He started the first game under Alonso, playing against the Saudi side Al-Hilal. However, uncertainty about his future once again increased as he was again left on the bench for the second game against Pachuca and remained on the bench till the end of the match.
Xabi Alonso addresses his absence against Pachuca
Now, speaking to the media ahead of the third and last group stage game against RB Salzburg, the Real Madrid coach addressed a question about the Brazilian being on the bench for the last game.
As Fabrizio Romano has reported, the Spaniard told the journalists why Rodrygo was on the bench, and went on to highlight his importance for the team:
“I see Rodrygo in good shape. He was on the bench for a technical decision. He’s still important, and we’ll need him at the Club World Cup. He’s a special player and will play a key role.”
Xabi Alonso calling the €90 million-rated Brazilian ‘special’ is no surprise, as Rodrygo has already shown his incredible skills multiple times during his Real Madrid career, and there is no doubt that he can perform at a level significantly higher than he did during this season. Hopefully, the new coach will be able to get the best out of him this season.
