Xabi Alonso, the esteemed former Spanish international, has officially taken the reins as the new manager of Real Madrid, signing a three-year contract that marks an exciting new phase in his managerial career. The announcement has generated much anticipation among fans, as he is set to be unveiled at a grand presentation event in Madrid on Monday. This significant move comes after Alonso’s recent departure from Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed an impressive tenure of two and a half years, leading the team to notable successes, including clinching a league and cup double last season. His time at Bayer Leverkusen almost culminated in a remarkable unbeaten treble, falling just short in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who has opted to accept the managerial role for the Brazil national football team, Alonso takes over a Real Madrid side with a rich history and high expectations. During his own illustrious career as a player, Alonso made 236 appearances for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, contributing to the clubβs legacy with six major titles: the iconic 10th European Cup triumph in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and one Spanish Super Cup. His playing achievements cemented his reputation as one of the club’s enduring legends and a significant figure in global football.
At the upcoming presentation event, Alonso is expected to share his vision for the team and engage with the media, outlining how he intends to lead Real Madrid into a new era starting on June 1. This timing is particularly strategic as it positions him to guide the team through the impending Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States next month, providing an early opportunity for Alonso to showcase his managerial acumen on an international platform.
A statement released by Real Madrid celebrated Alonso’s return, stating:
“Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football. He wore our shirt in 236 official matches between 2009 and 2014. During that time he won six titles: the 10th European Cup in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey titles and one Spanish Super Cup.”
“Xabi Alonso is also a legend of the Spanish national team, with which he won one World Cup (2010) and two European Championships (2008 and 2012) in 113 international matches.
“Xabi Alonso began his coaching career at Real Madrid’s youth academy, managing the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, where he won the league and the champions tournament.
“Now he returns to Real Madrid as one of the best coaches in the world, after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the league, cup and German Super Cup in three seasons.”
The statement further highlighted Alonso’s remarkable contributions to the Spanish national team, mentioning his impressive tally of 113 international matches, in which he played an instrumental role in securing a World Cup victory in 2010 and two European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Alonso’s coaching journey began with Real Madrid’s youth academy, where he managed the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, achieving remarkable success by winning both the league title and the champions tournament. His forthcoming role as head coach comes after making a significant impact at Bayer Leverkusen, where he garnered accolades with three major trophiesβthe league, cup, and German Super Cupβover three seasons.
As he embarks on this new chapter with Real Madrid, Alonso takes over a team that recently finished second in La Liga, unable to keep pace with their arch-rival Barcelona, who have been declared the champions. Moreover, the team’s defense of their Champions League title was underwhelming, as they faced elimination by Arsenal during the quarter-finals. The backdrop of these recent performances adds to the weight of expectation for Alonso, who is tasked with rejuvenating the squad and restoring Real Madrid’s status among Europe’s elite clubs.
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