The Real Madrid has decided to turn a new leaf and begin a new phase under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. The former midfielder from Tolosa will take on the role of head coach of the first team starting June 1, with a contract lasting three seasons, until 2028.
His appointment comes just hours after the painful 4-3 defeat against FC Barcelona in a thrilling Clásico that exposed the structural cracks in the white team and hastened the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.
The decision to part ways with the veteran Italian coach is a response to a season marked by tactical instability, the absence of important titles, and disappointing performance at crucial moments.
The defeat against their eternal rival was the last straw in a campaign where Madrid has not lived up to their aspirations. The club has decided to close the chapter with the most decorated coach in its history — 15 titles over two periods — and invest in an emerging figure, with fresh ideas and a deep Madridista identity.
Xabi (Tolosa, 1981) not only knows the house: he proudly and proactively represented it for five seasons (2009-2014), during which he served as captain on numerous occasions and was a key player in the conquest of the coveted Tenth European Cup.
His ability to read the matches, organize the team from the midfield, and take on responsibilities in moments of pressure made him a key figure in the locker room.
As a coach, his career has been meteoric. He made his debut in the youth categories of Real Madrid in 2018 and then managed the reserve team of Real Sociedad, with which he achieved a historic promotion to the Second Division.
In October 2022, he took charge of Bayer Leverkusen, a team he rescued from relegation, leading them to win the Bundesliga and the German Cup in the 2023-24 season, remaining unbeaten in the league for 35 matches. He also reached the final of the Europa League, where they were defeated by Atalanta.
Alonso's debut with Real Madrid will be in the revamped Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States starting June 15. He will have little time to prepare the team amidst a FIFA break, but the club trusts in his leadership and tactical vision to return Madrid to its rightful place: the top of world football.
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