New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has declared he is ready to bring success back to the Spanish giants and restore their place at the top of European football. Speaking during his official unveiling on Monday, Alonso said he was full of energy and optimism as he steps into the role vacated by Carlo Ancelotti, who has left to manage Brazil.
Alonso, 43, has agreed a three-year contract running until June 2028 and will take charge of Real Madrid during this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States.
Following a disappointing 2023–24 season in which Madrid missed out on silverware, losing their La Liga title to Barcelona and suffering defeats in both domestic cup finals, Alonso now takes on the task of rebuilding a team hungry for trophies. Their Champions League campaign also ended in a heavy quarter-final defeat to Arsenal.
“We have a fantastic squad with great potential, not just for now but for the future too,” Alonso told reporters at Real Madrid’s training complex. “That gives me confidence and motivation to get the best out of the players and to build a truly great side.
“I believe we can accomplish great things—success that lives up to the standards of Real Madrid, the legacy of the European Cups, and the club’s incredible history.”
A former Madrid midfielder himself, Alonso made 236 appearances for the club between 2009 and 2014, helping them secure six trophies including the long-awaited 10th Champions League title in his final season. Madrid have since added five more European titles, cementing their dominance with a record 15 Champions League wins.
Alonso arrives in Madrid following an extraordinary campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German side to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and German Cup triumph, drawing attention from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Reflecting on his return, Alonso described the occasion as deeply personal.
“I’ve been away for a while, but my connection with the club and its supporters has always remained strong,” he said.
Club president Florentino Pérez welcomed Alonso back warmly, calling it a landmark moment for the club.
“This is a very special day for the Madrid faithful—a day that signals the beginning of a new and exciting era,” said Pérez. “We are welcoming back one of our own. Xabi Alonso is not only one of the best coaches in the world but also someone who understands what it means to wear this badge.”
Alonso, a former Spain international who lifted the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships, will make his managerial debut for Madrid against Al-Hilal in Miami on 18 June at the Club World Cup.
One of Alonso’s major challenges will be addressing the team’s defensive frailties while making the most of its attacking firepower, particularly from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
“It’s a blessing to have players like Kylian and Vini—and others, too,” Alonso said. “Our job is to maximise their talent. I have a few ideas.”
His predecessor Ancelotti had often criticised the squad’s lack of balance between defence and attack, with the team suffering 14 defeats over the season.
“I’ve studied the matches and I’m already thinking about how to create a more balanced team,” Alonso said. “When everyone understands the plan and the structure, individual talent will shine more naturally.”
While Alonso frequently employed a 3-4-3 formation at Leverkusen, he emphasised that tactical flexibility would be key.
“We want to play high-intensity, ambitious football,” he said. “The goal is to dominate matches, excite the fans, and build a team that connects emotionally with the supporters.”
