Xavi Alonso coaches Real Madrid s debut! Former teammates: He loves to joke but must be serious now

Real Madrid's journey in the 2025 World Club Cup has entered a critical stage, and the team has come to the historic city of Philadelphia, USA for the third time. For most Real Madrid fans, Philadelphia may be just a regular site on the US Tour, but for Jorge Cassado, the left-back who walked out of the Rafabrican youth training camp, it carries the most precious memories of his career.

14 years ago, it was on this land in Philadelphia that Casardo, who was only 22 years old, made his debut for Real Madrid's first team. In that friendly match against Philadelphia United, Real Madrid won 2-1, while Cassado started under Mourinho's trust. Standing by his side was Xavi Alonso, who has now become Real Madrid's coach.

"That's simply amazing! "Casado, 35, still couldn't hide his excitement in an interview. "Being able to participate in the first-team preseason and then start to show off himself...When Mourinho told me the news, I could hardly believe it. "

Philadelphia not only gave Casado's highlights in his career, but also left interesting memories. "We went to the famous Rocky Steps, which is the classic scene in the movie. We climbed up, but walked up, just in case! " Casardo recalled with a smile, "I remember there was a group photo below the steps, where there was a statue of Rocky. It was so hot that day, but the stadium was amazing. "

Speaking of teammates Xavi Alonso of that year, Casardo's tone was full of respect: "He is an admirable player, an embodied elegance on the court, a real gentleman. He always acted well. I remember he was a northerner, very serious, but he was very happy to get along. But he also had a very interesting side and liked to joke. "

Nowadays, his former teammates have become the helmsman of Real Madrid. In the first two games of the World Club Cup, Xavi Alonso showed a different side. "Now he is the captain and must be tougher," Casardo analyzed. "It takes more time to judge in just two games. He has almost no time to train. Just look at his achievements in Real Sociedad B and Leverkusen. Time needs to be given to the process... Even so, a few days ago, with one less player, I have begun to see Xavi's tactical philosophy. "

In this World Club Cup, the biggest surprise is the outstanding performance of young forward Gonzalo. This young man from youth training conquered everyone with his fighting spirit. "I like him very much, I have played against him, and I know him very well," Casador commented. "He is like Nacho or Carvajal, but he is the striker. He is the kind of player who goes all out, fighting for every goal. Now Real Madrid's forward line lacks such players. As someone said the other day, he is likely to be the new Joselu. He's passing to Bellingham...he is writing his resume with these games. "

However, football is always two-sided. Another youth training player, Asensio, encountered difficulties in this game, and his consecutive red cards made him questioned. "This is football, full of hypocrisy," Casardo defended the young defender, "Two bad games are judged. Look at how the kid performs when Real Madrid really needs him, his ability to deal with big scenes. If we judge him now because of two bad games or two mistakes, then we are very wrong. "

As the times change, Real Madrid's youth training golden generation is gradually saying goodbye. Nacho and Joselu left the team last year, and Lucas Vazquez will also say goodbye this year, and now only Carvajal is still sticking to it. "Lucas eventually left as a Real Madrid legend, possessing all these trophys and always maintaining a high level," Casar said with emotion. "Many times people question him, but no one can erase his achievements. "

Casar is confident about the upcoming competition that Carvajal is, especially with new player Trent Alexander Arnold: "He has just recovered from injury, but we all know what kind of player Kava is. For me, if he is not the best right-back in the world, it is one of the top two. His performance is obvious to all. A year ago he was the best player in the Champions League final. "

Regarding another former youth training player that Real Madrid may introduce, Alvaro Carreras, Cassado also gave his own opinion: "I haven't watched him play often, I have only seen his performance for Benfica in the Champions League, but from what I see, he is a good left-back. If he comes, Mendy or Fran Garcia may leave. And Fran thinks he is one of the most stable players in the two games coached by Xavi. "

Cassado, who is now 35 years old, is still active on the green field and will continue to compete in Guadalajara in the fourth-tier Spanish league next season. "I have one more contract, yes, as I said, as long as my legs can run," he said with a smile.

Speaking of future plans, Cassado revealed that he was preparing a coach's third-level certificate and was also running a driving school run with his father. "My idea is to devote myself to the sports world, and it would be better if it was football... I hope so! " he said, his eyes flashing with a vision for the future.

From Philadelphia's debut to today's coaching dream, from youth training classmates to going their separate ways, football is such a world full of changes and possibilities. Xavi Alonso has gone from being an elegant midfielder to a serious coach, Gonzalo wrote his legendary beginning with hard work, while Casardo is continuing his love for football in his own way. This is Real Madrid, this is football, always full of stories and dreams.