"I need a connection to feel what each player needs. I know I’m the coach, but I like to be close to everyone," said Xabi Alonso during his presentation at Real Madrid City, a clear statement of his leadership style, centered on closeness, empathy, and team cohesion.

But the new manager’s ideals are facing a tight schedule.

With just three training sessions before his first official match in charge, Alonso has had to accelerate the bonding process with his players, many of whom have only just returned from international duty. So far, he has yet to complete a full training session with the entire squad.

"We have to speed up everything because we don’t have much time to get to know each other and train," Alonso told DAZN upon arriving at the Four Seasons Palm Beach hotel in Florida. "We’re coming with great enthusiasm and the hope of having a strong tournament run."

Training officially will kick off today at 10:30 a.m. local time (14:30 Spanish time), now with the full squad on-site. Vinícius Jr., Arda Güler, and Lunin have arrived and joined the group for the first time, bringing Real Madrid closer to full strength ahead of their June 18 debut in the Club World Cup against Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Despite the time constraints, Alonso remains optimistic: “The players have been very positive. Little by little, I’m getting to know them and building those essential connections.”

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