Xabi Alonso officially began his reign as Real Madrid’s head coach with a bold ambition, to transform the Spanish giants into an unstoppable force.
During his presentation at the club’s Valdebebas training complex on Monday, Alonso expressed gratitude to former coach Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledging the veteran manager’s pivotal role in his development.
Alonso, 43, has signed a three-year deal running until June 30, 2028, and will assume full responsibilities from June 1.
His first assignment comes quickly, with Madrid competing in the FIFA Club World Cup next month. Ancelotti bid farewell to the club following their final LaLiga fixture, a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, before heading to Brazil to begin his new role as national team manager.
“We want to bring emotion and joy to the fans,” Alonso told those gathered. “We want those who come to the stadium to enjoy themselves, and those watching on television to say ‘that’s my Real Madrid.’ If we manage to do that, we’ll be an unstoppable force.”
Flanked by club president Florentino Pérez during the contract signing, Alonso was officially introduced and faced the press for the first time as Madrid’s new head coach.
He discussed his tactical approach and vision for the team, particularly how to best utilize attacking stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, and how to position Jude Bellingham most effectively.
“We’re lucky to have players of that level, not just Kylian and Vinícius,” Alonso said. “They’re two players who make the difference, and we have to get the best out of them. I have ideas and we’ll work on it … That’s my job now.”
Pérez praised Alonso’s return to the club where he once dazzled as a player. “Today a new coach arrives, who’s already one of the best in the world, and knows what this Real Madrid shirt means,” the president
