Real Madrid held their final training session on Saturday morning ahead of their departure to the United States for the upcoming Club World Cup. Under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, the session at Valdebebas focused heavily on pressing tactics — a key area the coach is keen to improve.
Alonso, who is set to make his managerial debut for Los Blancos at the tournament, used the final workout to instil his tactical approach and outline the adjustments he intends to implement.
A full-pitch training match, ten versus ten, was organised to reinforce the concepts drilled throughout the week. New signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with returning internationals, were briefed on the system during Friday's session and integrated fully on Saturday.
Only three players — Vinicius Junior, Andriy Lunin and Arda Guler — are yet to rejoin the group. Having completed international duties with Brazil, Ukraine and Turkey, respectively, they are already waiting in Miami for the squad's arrival.
For a second consecutive day, Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold trained alongside Luka Modric, Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham, bolstering the number of first-team players at Alonso's disposal.
The session, which took place a few hours before the team's 15.00 CEST departure for Miami, placed a strong emphasis on pressing, addressing one of Real Madrid's most pressing weaknesses from last season.
Alonso looked to instil greater intensity among his players during this drill before moving on to ball-work exercises and the internal training match. Physical work was saved for the latter stages of the session. According to the club's official website, players completed running drills and gym work to round off the morning.
Injured defenders Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba once again participated in a portion of the session with the group before continuing their individual recovery work. None have yet rejoined full-contact training.
Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick — all ruled out of the Club World Cup but still travelling with the squad — continued their respective rehabilitation programmes.
Madrid's Club World Cup campaign begins on Wednesday against Al-Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium (21.00 CEST).