Xabi Alonso : “I’m Ready to Lead Real Madrid to Success”
Xabi Alonso has expressed his readiness to usher in a new era of success at the Santiago Bernabéu, vowing to bring energy, ambition, and a winning mentality to Real Madrid. The newly appointed manager was officially presented on Monday as the successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who has departed to become head coach of Brazil’s national team.
Alonso, who has signed a three-year contract running until June 2028, will make his managerial debut at the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami next month. Real Madrid’s campaign begins on June 18 against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, marking the first opportunity for fans and analysts to see Alonso’s tactical ideas in action. The Spanish giants are eager to return to form after a disappointing 2024–25 season that saw them fail to lift a single trophy.
The previous season ended in frustration for Real Madrid, as they lost out on the La Liga title to their fierce rivals Barcelona, who also bested them in both the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup finals. In Europe, Madrid’s Champions League dreams were dashed in the quarter-finals by a heavy defeat to Premier League side Arsenal. Despite these setbacks, Xabi Alonso believes there is more than enough talent within the current squad to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe.
“We have fantastic players and a team brimming with potential,” Alonso said during his official unveiling at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground. “That gives me every reason to come here full of energy and hope, aiming to bring out the best in every player and build a great team.”
Xabi Alonso Vows to Lead Real Madrid to Glory
The former Spain international, known for his intelligence and composure on the pitch, added, “I am convinced that we can achieve great things—worthy of Real Madrid and all the European Cups and accomplishments amassed over so many years. My goal is to build a team that reflects the spirit and values of this great club.”
As a player, Xabi Alonso enjoyed a highly successful spell with Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, making 236 appearances and winning six major trophies. His final season saw the club capture La Décima, the long-awaited 10th UEFA Champions League title. Since then, Madrid has gone on to win five more European crowns, underlining its unmatched pedigree in continental competition.
Alonso’s return to the club comes on the heels of a remarkable managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and German Cup victory in the 2023–24 season. His leadership in Germany caught the attention of top European clubs, but the call from Madrid proved irresistible. Alonso said the move felt like a homecoming.
“It’s a day I will mark in my calendar for life,” Alonso said. “Though I’ve been away for a few years, my connection with Madrid and the fans has never faded. When I arrived at Valdebebas an hour and a half ago, it felt like a rebirth. I have the sense this is the start of a new era, just as the president described.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez expressed his confidence in Xabi Alonso, praising his credentials and the bond he shares with the club. “This is a very special day for all who love Real Madrid. It marks the beginning of a new era filled with excitement and deep emotions,” Pérez said. “A coach has arrived who is among the best in the world and who understands what this badge and shirt represent. Today, we welcome back one of our own—Xabi Alonso.”
A member of Spain’s golden generation, Alonso won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two European Championships (2008 and 2012). His coaching philosophy has been shaped by working under some of football’s most renowned managers, including Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and José Mourinho. Those experiences, he said, will influence how he guides Madrid moving forward.
As he prepares for his first test on the global stage, Xabi Alonso is determined to uphold the traditions of one of football’s most iconic clubs. With a mix of experience, vision, and emotional connection to Madrid, Alonso steps into one of football’s most high-pressure roles with the ambition to restore the club’s glory and set new benchmarks of excellence.
Source- Punch
