Xabi Alonso Takes Helm at Real Madrid: A New Era Begins

Xabi Alonso steps in as the new head coach of Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, aiming to revitalize the team for upcoming seasons.

Real Madrid Welcomes Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach

Real Madrid has officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new head coach, signing a three-year contract that will keep him at the helm until June 2028. Alonso, a former Madrid player with 236 appearances, takes over from Carlo Ancelotti, who departed after a trophy-less season.

Alonso's Impressive Coaching Journey

Alonso's coaching career began at Real Madrid's academy, followed by a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to a Bundesliga title and an unbeaten domestic double in 2024. His strategic prowess and leadership have been pivotal in transforming Leverkusen from a relegation-threatened team to a formidable force in German football.

Challenges Ahead

Alonso will face the challenge of rebuilding a star-studded Madrid squad, including talents like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. The team's performance last season was underwhelming, with losses in key competitions including LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

Ancelotti's Departure

Ancelotti's tenure ended on a disappointing note, marked by a 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal in the Champions League and a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. His farewell will be marked in the last league game of the season against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Looking Forward

Alonso's first major task will be leading Madrid in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. With his rich history at the club and proven coaching acumen, the Madrid faithful are hopeful for a resurgence under his leadership.

Xabi Alonso

Image credit: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

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