First Presentation as New Manager Confirmed After Carlo Ancelotti Departure
A new era is officially underway at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After weeks of speculation, rumours, and whispered conversations in Spanish pressrooms and fan forums alike, Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager — a move that marks a poetic full-circle moment for one of the most intelligent football minds of his generation.
Alonso arrives in the Spanish capital on the back of an extraordinary spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he defied all odds to lead the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title, dethroning Bayern Munich with a brand of football that was as ruthless as it was elegant.
Now, the former midfield general returns to a club where he once dictated the tempo on the pitch — only this time, he’ll be doing it from the touchline.
From Midfield Maestro to Tactical Mastermind
It’s a narrative that writes itself. Between 2009 and 2014, Xabi Alonso was the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s midfield — a player whose vision, calmness, and footballing brain made him a natural leader. He was never the loudest voice in the dressing room, but he never needed to be. His feet did the talking.
Fast forward a decade, and Xabi Alonso’s tactical mind has blossomed into something truly special. When he took over a struggling Bayer Leverkusen side in October 2022, few would have predicted what was to come. Not only did he stabilize the club, but he turned them into one of Europe’s most exciting teams.
Under Alonso, Leverkusen played brave, possession-based football, mixing modern pressing structures with positional discipline and fluid attacking patterns. The result? An unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and a reputation that skyrocketed across the continent.
It was only a matter of time before a bigger club came knocking. That club, fittingly, was Real Madrid.
Replacing a Legend: The Ancelotti Chapter Closes
Alonso takes the reins from Carlo Ancelotti, a true legend of the game and a manager who guided Madrid to La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey glory during his two spells in charge.
But as all good stories do, Ancelotti’s time in Madrid has reached its conclusion. Following a trophyless season, the Italian tactician has left the club to begin a new challenge with the Brazilian national team — a job that many believe suits his calm demeanor and world-class man-management perfectly.
Madrid, never a club to stand still, wasted little time in naming his successor.
A Presentation Worth the Wait
Real Madrid have already confirmed that Xabi Alonso’s first official presentation as manager will take place early next week at the Santiago Bernabéu. Expectations are sky-high, but there’s a palpable sense of excitement and optimism in the Spanish capital.
Club president Florentino Pérez spoke briefly following the announcement:
“Xabi understands the values of Real Madrid. He has lived them. He has proven that he is a manager for the future — and the present.”
And fans agree. Social media was instantly flooded with messages of congratulations, nostalgia, and anticipation. Many remember Xabi Alonso’s playing days with immense fondness — his trademark diagonals, his composure, his leadership. Now, they hope those same qualities will define his managerial tenure.
What Challenges Await?
Of course, no job in football is quite as pressurized as managing Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are synonymous with success — domestically, continentally, and globally. The club expects silverware every season. Anything less is considered failure. And that’s the world Xabi Alonso is now walking into.
His first challenge will be navigating a transitional squad. With veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos edging towards retirement, and a wave of young talent like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni establishing themselves, Xabi Alonso must strike the right balance between experience and youth.
There’s also the small matter of the Champions League, a competition that defines Madrid’s identity. While Xabi Alonso has no senior managerial experience in that tournament, his playing days — including lifting the trophy with Liverpool and Madrid — ensure he knows exactly what it takes to win on that stage.
Tactical Evolution or Return to Tradition?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Xabi Alonso’s appointment is the style of play he’ll bring.
Ancelotti, known for pragmatism and flexibility, often adapted his system depending on personnel and opposition. Xabi Alonso, on the other hand, showed a clear tactical philosophy at Leverkusen — one based on structured buildup, aggressive pressing, and spatial control.
Whether that model translates to the demands of Real Madrid remains to be seen. The Spanish press is already speculating about formation changes and player roles. Could we see a 3-4-3? Will Bellingham continue as a free-roaming 10? Where does Vinícius Jr. fit in Xabi Alonso’s pressing system?
One thing is clear: change is coming.
A Return That Means More
Beyond tactics and trophies, Xabi Alonso’s appointment is an emotional one for many Madridistas.
He’s one of their own — not a product of the academy, but a player who wore the shirt with pride, class, and unwavering professionalism. A player who understood what it meant to represent Los Blancos.
That kind of emotional connection can’t be manufactured. And in a club often accused of prioritizing star power over sentiment, this feels like a rare moment of alignment between footballing philosophy and club identity.
What’s Next for Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid?
The journey starts now. Preseason plans are already being drawn up, transfer targets evaluated, and backroom staff assembled. Xabi Alonso’s staff is expected to include a mix of trusted coaches from his time at Leverkusen and former Madrid personnel who know the club inside out.
Rumours continue to swirl about Kylian Mbappé’s future, and Xabi Alonso will likely be involved in final discussions should any deal go ahead. His ability to manage egos, handle pressure, and connect with young players will be tested from day one.
But if his rise so far is anything to go by, Xabi Alonso is ready.
