Xabi Alonso is set to return to Real Madrid as the new head coach, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, who has accepted the role of coach for the Brazil national team. The club announced Alonso’s hiring on Sunday, and he will officially start on June 1, with a contract that runs until June 2028.
Ancelotti, who is 65 years old, has had a successful four-year stint at Madrid, culminating in an emotional farewell after the last league match of the season. Although his contract was supposed to extend through the next season, the decision for him to leave was confirmed after he was named Brazil’s coach.
This past season was a disappointment for Madrid, despite starting strong by winning the UEFA Super Cup. They struggled to secure any additional trophies, particularly facing defeats in all four matches against their rivals, Barcelona. The Catalan club went on to win both the league and the cup.
Alonso, now 43, is a familiar face at Madrid, having played there from 2009 to 2014. During his time as a player, he won six titles, including the Champions League and the Spanish league. His coaching career has also been impressive; he led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic double last season after taking over when the team was struggling in the Bundesliga.
Alonso’s return to Madrid is seen as a significant move, as he is regarded as one of the club’s legends. The club highlighted his achievements, stating that he is now one of the best coaches in the world after his success in Germany.
As he takes on this new challenge, Alonso will need to address the demands of a competitive La Liga, particularly with Barcelona’s strong squad. He will also need to motivate top players like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, who faced challenges towards the end of the season.
Alonso is expected to bring a more structured approach to the team compared to Ancelotti’s style, which often relied on players’ individual brilliance. One of his immediate tasks will be to strengthen the defense, an area that suffered from injuries last season.
Real Madrid has already made strides in this direction by signing defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. As Alonso prepares for his second job in senior management, the club’s expectations remain high. Madrid aims to reclaim its position at the top of Spanish football and pursue a record 16th European title.