Xabi Alonso Unveiled as New Real Madrid Coach

Xabi Alonso has been unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid, signing a three-year contract until June 2028. He promises a new era for the club.

Xabi Alonso expressed his confidence in leading Real Madrid to great heights after being officially unveiled as the team's new manager. He promised a fresh start for the club, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso's return to the Santiago Bernabeu marks a full-circle moment, as he spent six successful seasons as a player for Real Madrid, winning numerous titles. Now, as the team's manager, he aims to add to the club's legacy and achieve significant success.

Xabi Alonso, 43, brings a wealth of managerial experience to Real Madrid, having led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic double last season. Under his guidance, the team won the German Cup and claimed their first Bundesliga title undefeated.

✨ #WelcomeXabi ✨ pic.twitter.com/525kGjALOs

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 26, 2025

“This is a very special day for me,” Alonso said after being unveiled as Real Madrid's new manager. “A day that I will have marked in my calendar for life. I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home.” Alonso will officially take charge on June 1st, ahead of the Club World Cup, marking the beginning of his new era at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“The bond with Madrid has never ceased to exist and, since I entered Valdebebas (training centre) an hour and a half ago, that feeling has been reborn. I have the feeling that this is the beginning of a new era.

“We have a great team, we have fantastic players and a very good potential. That gives me reason to come here with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We have the conviction that we can achieve important things, worthy of Real Madrid and these European Cups.”

🤩 Enjoy the BTS of @XabiAlonso's presentation!
🎥 FULL VIDEO ▶️ RM Play

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 26, 2025

Alonso's Vision for Real Madrid

When asked about the style of play he would implement at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in modern football. “It's a good question and I like it because today's football asks you to be flexible and dynamic,” he said. “It asks you to know how to move the pieces around,” hinting at his intention to create a dynamic and responsive team strategy.

“I have an idea of how we want to play, but the system can change. I want the team to transmit emotion, energy, to play ambitiously and to connect with the people.

“The symbiosis we are looking for is fundamental for the stage to start well. I like to improve everyone's potential to fit the pieces together.”

Challenges Ahead for Alonso

Alonso inherits a Real Madrid team that fell short of its own high standards last season. The team finished second in LaLiga behind Barcelona, lost to them in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals, and was eliminated from the Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal as defending champions.

One of the key challenges Alonso faces is maximizing the potential of star attackers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., who both seemed to struggle with their roles, preferring to play on the left wing. Finding a way to get the best out of these players will be crucial for Real Madrid's success under Alonso's leadership.

“It's fortunate that we have players of that level. Not just Kylian or Vinicius, but many others,” Alonso said.

“They are differential, they make the difference and we have to get everything out of them. I have ideas. There is still time until we meet with them. But for me it's very important to communicate what we want. They are high-level players and that's my task.”

Xabi Alonso has been appointed as the new manager of Real Madrid, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 2028. He takes over from Carlo Ancelotti, who led the team in his final game on Saturday.

In his presentation speech, Alonso paid tribute to his predecessor, saying, “Before I start talking about the new era, I don't want to forget to talk about the era that has just ended.” This nod to Ancelotti's contributions marked a respectful transition as Alonso prepares to usher in a new era for the club.

“Carlo was my coach, a great person and a huge influence. Without his mastery, I probably wouldn't be here. I take over and carry on his legacy with great honour and pride.

“I hope to live up to expectations and be able to take the club to all the places we all believe we can.”