Real coach Alonso vows action over words ahead of opener

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday he wanted his team’s performance on the pitch to do the talking for him as he begins his first La Liga campaign at home against Osasuna on Tuesday.

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Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso, loved by Real fans for his trophy-laden playing years at the Bernabeu and with Spain, has been charged with reviving a Madrid side that ended last season without a major trophy.

In the Club World Cup, which was Alonso's first competition as Real coach, they were knocked out by Paris St Germain in a 4-0 semifinal loss last month.

Real, under Italian Carlo Ancelotti, finished four points behind La Liga champions Barcelona and failed to retain their Champions League crown after a quarterfinal exit. They also lost the Copa del Rey final to bitter rivals Barca.

"I'm more about doing than talking," Alonso told reporters. "Making promises before you act doesn’t usually work in football. Just saying it is not going to make it happen. We want to start down that path tomorrow.

"We are really excited and want to bring that energy to the stadium and earn their (the fans’) support."