Alonso: Real Madrid Must Not Obsess About Trophies

Xabi Alonso does not think that Real Madrid should start to become obsessed with winning trophies before the season has even started.

The new arrival from Liverpool understands the pressures on the club to lift some silverware next term after arch rivals Barcelona secured a unique treble last time out.

But instead of focussing on next May, when the trophies will be secured, Alonso hopes that Madrid will look to the present and take things slowly.

"We cannot become obsessed by [trophies]," he was quoted as saying by AS. "We have to go step-by-step."

"Trophies are there to be won at the end of the season and we need to build a good base from the start in order to challenge."

"We have to progress bit-by-bit in all competitions."

Barcelona are not making any bold predictions as they look to tweak a successful squad, while in Madrid a complete rebuilding project still needs more work.

"There are still a couple of weeks to go before the start of the league season," Alonso continued.

"Barcelona have not changed their squad much and we are still getting to know each other."

"We are two different teams and all we should focus on is improving every day."