The Real Madrid has decided to make a significant change in its coaching staff, officially announcing that Xabi Alonso will be the new head coach of the first team for the next three seasons. The former player will be presented tomorrow, May 26, at 12:30 PM at the Ciudad Real Madrid, where president Florentino Pérez will welcome him in a ceremonial act.
Alonso, at 43 years old, takes over from Carlo Ancelotti after a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, the Cup, and the Supercup of Germany. This achievement makes him an attractive candidate for a club looking to regain its elite status after a season that failed to meet expectations.
The club's official statement highlights that Alonso's contract will run from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, with an additional year subject to objectives. This decision marks a return to the 'Spanish route', a path that has not yielded good results in the past with coaches like Lopetegui and Benítez.
Alonso's selection, who began his coaching career in the Madrid youth system, is seen as an attempt to revitalize the club's sporting project. However, the pressure will be high, as Ancelotti's legacy and the expectations of the fans are enormous. Despite his success in Germany, the shadow of the 'Galácticos' and the club's recent history could work against him.
During his time at Leverkusen, Alonso proved to be a respected leader and an effective strategist, maintaining his players' faith in his ideas. However, the environment at Real Madrid is notoriously different, and the challenge of managing a dressing room full of stars will be a crucial test for his coaching career.
The Madrid fans hope that Alonso can lead the team back to the path of success, but recent history suggests that the road will not be easy. With an eye on the future, the new coach will have the responsibility of building a competitive team capable of fighting for all available titles.