Xabi Alonso will officially become the new head coach of Real Madrid, taking over the prestigious role just in time for the upcoming Club World Cup. After a highly successful tenure, he chose to leave Bayer Leverkusen. In his inaugural campaign, the 42-year-old guided his side to a league and cup double. Alonso’s first game in charge will be against Al Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
Bayer Leverkusen had signed him to a contract that ran through the summer of 2026. They’ve now decided to mutually agree to release him one year early, letting him leave for free and signing with Real Madrid. This decision marks the beginning of a turning point in Alonso’s young career. He steps into the role vacated by Carlo Ancelotti—who will take charge of the Brazil national team, starting on May 26.
A Promising Career at Bayer Leverkusen
In just a few years at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has seen incredible success. He won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Union Berlin last season. One step remained in producing a phenomenal treble, only for his side to lose the Europa League final to Atalanta. Though this failure, Alonso’s managerial skills have earned him widespread respect and admiration in the football community.
“Alonso would need to hit the ground running – Ancelotti a tough act to follow.” – Kaveh Solhekol
No question, time at Bayer Leverkusen built an impressive foundation for Alonso’s next challenge. He relates to players so easily. His highly productive playing style have parlayed him into one of college football’s brightest young coaching stars. He now confronts the rare challenge of replacing Ancelotti, a manager uncommonly held in esteem for both his success and tactical genius.
Transitioning to Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso has taken to management like a duck to water. He adds a unique perspective and positive influence to the staff with his experience as a former player. He had one of the great playing careers, with time at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. In his brief tenure there, he quickly became the most crucial difference-maker on the field. It’s his background that provides him with a unique perspective. He should use that same knowledge to inform how he shapes the present-day Real Madrid squad.
The move to Real Madrid for Alonso fits perfectly with a gentleman’s agreement he’d previously had with Bayer Leverkusen. Premier Sports presenter Kaveh Solhekol said the player has a gentleman’s agreement with Leverkusen. If any of the other clubs he played for before this current one express interest, he will be let out of a contract. This contract reaffirms the long-standing mutual respect Alonso has for his former club. Combined, they are ensuring that his reality move back to the Spanish capital comes true.
Expectations and Challenges Ahead
With such expectations placed upon him from the jump, Alonso will have to prove himself in a hurry. Yet the Club World Cup presents an oncoming storm. It challenges his tactical brilliance, yet shows his impressive ability to invigorate and inspire players to perform on big occasions. The stakes feel especially high considering Ancelotti’s status and legacy at the club.
“I know we shouldn’t jump the gun, but everybody in football knows.” – Kaveh Solhekol
Once again, Alonso has proven that he is a master tactician. Next, he’ll have to meet the high expectations that follow one of the world’s most decorated football clubs. His success in this role will depend on how well he can shift gears and meet the challenges of managing Real Madrid. He has to develop the great work done by Ancelotti.
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