Xabi Alonso Appointed as Real Madrid Head Coach
The move comes as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to take charge of the Brazilian national team, ending his second successful spell with Los Blancos. Real Madrid had been linked with Alonso for several months, and the deal has now been finalized, setting the stage for a new chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alonso Returns to Madrid With Winning Pedigree
At 43 years old, Xabi leaves Bayer Leverkusen after leading them to a remarkable 2023–24 season in Germany. Under his guidance, Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga, clinched the German Cup, and remained unbeaten in the league—an unprecedented feat that attracted attention from top European clubs.
Real Madrid described Alonso as:
“One of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football. He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time he won six trophies.”
Alonso is scheduled to be officially presented on Monday at 10:30 GMT, where fans and media will get their first look at the club’s new manager.
Xabi’s tactical intelligence and composed leadership style have earned him widespread praise. A student of the game, he has been mentored by some of the greatest minds in football—Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Vicente del Bosque, and Ancelotti himself. Known for his midfield control and exceptional vision, Alonso is expected to bring structure and harmony to a Madrid squad that struggled with balance throughout the 2024–25 campaign.
Despite Kylian Mbappé scoring 31 La Liga goals and likely securing the European Golden Shoe, Real Madrid’s season ended without a major domestic trophy. They were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal, lost to Barcelona in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals, and ceded the La Liga title to their arch-rivals.
The club’s form dipped considerably, suffering 14 defeats after losing only two matches in the previous season. This prompted the need for a new direction—one that Alonso is now entrusted to lead.
Ancelotti’s Legacy and Alonso’s Opportunity
Alonso steps into the shoes of one of the most successful managers in Real Madrid history. Ancelotti, 65, amassed 15 trophies across two stints, including three Champions League titles. He famously delivered La Décima—the club’s long-awaited 10th Champions League crown—in 2014, with Alonso playing a vital role throughout the campaign, although he missed the final due to suspension.
Now, Alonso inherits a team in need of recalibration, especially in midfield and defense. His success in Germany suggests he has the credentials to thrive in the Spanish capital, but expectations will be sky-high.
Alonso’s first challenge as Real Madrid head coach will come swiftly at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. The Spanish giants face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18 in their opening match. The tournament provides an immediate opportunity for Alonso to win silverware and lay down a marker for his tenure.
Real Madrid are also bolstering their squad ahead of the new era. The club has already secured defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and are closing in on Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires this summer. Madrid hopes to finalize the deal before the Club World Cup kicks off.
Xabi’s return to Madrid is more than a coaching appointment—it’s a symbolic homecoming. As a player, he was central to a winning era; now, he returns to restore the club’s status at the top of European football.
Backed by a new generation of talent and inspired by the legacy of Real Madrid legends, Xabi Alonso steps into his greatest challenge yet. As head coach, his mission is clear: to restore the club’s dominance in Spain and Europe. With his tactical brilliance and deep connection to Los Blancos, Alonso is poised to lead Real Madrid into a bold and promising new era.
Source- EWN
