Real Madrid is a big team Xabi Alonso should not expect to be given enough time to deliver a good result and start winning trophies for the team because that's the main reason he was given the job when Ancelotti left, Real Madrid has been successful in the past and they can't afford to go two seasons without winning trophies it doesnt look nice for a team with the level of players they have, Xabi Alonso should make it fast and prove himself by delivering good performance and winning trophies for the club.
Agree, Ancelotti has built a stable squad. Even their squad is one of the strongest in Europe, they were not successful last season. Xabi Alonso needs to understand that he will not be given much time to strengthen the team. You know management is very careful in choosing their manager, so if their performance is not as good as expected next season, Alonso will be fired. If you ask about Xabi's talent actually there is no doubt that, but Xabi Alonso does not have the experience of managing a star-studded and big club like Madrid. So it may be a bit difficult for Xabi to strengthen the squad.
afaik they will probably not play any pre-season matches. I would be happy if Madrid played a few pre-season matches. This would give Xabi a chance to identify the weaknesses of his squad and strengthen the squad.