Alonso Takes Over at Real Madrid as Ancelotti Departs for Brazil

Real Madrid has announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The Spanish coach is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he previously enjoyed a successful six-season spell as a player, securing numerous titles.

Alonso has committed to a three-year deal, which will run until June 2028. The 43-year-old will be stepping into the role previously held by Carlo Ancelotti, whose final match in charge took place on Saturday.

Following Ancelotti’s second stint at Real without a major trophy, the club swiftly moved to appoint a new coach. This decision came after the experienced Italian manager accepted the position to lead the Brazil national team.

Alonso, who had been managing Bayer Leverkusen, had already announced his departure from the German club earlier this month.

The Spaniard assumed leadership of Leverkusen in October 2022. During his tenure, he guided the team to a historic double last season, clinching their first-ever Bundesliga title without suffering a single defeat. Additionally, they triumphed in the German Cup and reached the final of the Europa League.

Despite having a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, the club acceded to his request to terminate the agreement at the season’s end.

Xabi Alonso is scheduled to be formally introduced as Real Madrid’s coach on Monday. He will officially begin his duties on June 1, in preparation for the Club World Cup, set to commence in the United States the following month.

The former Spain international initially joined Real Madrid in 2009 from Liverpool. He went on to make 236 appearances for the club, securing a LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey victories, and the coveted 10th European crown for the club.

Alonso’s coaching journey began at Real Madrid’s youth academy, where he managed the Under-14 team during the 2018-19 season, achieving success in both the league and the Champions tournament.

Subsequently, he took charge of Real Sociedad’s reserve team before progressing to the Leverkusen job.

Xabi Alonso will be aiming to emulate the achievements of another former Real Madrid midfielder, Zinedine Zidane, who also returned to coach the Spanish team and secured three consecutive Champions League titles.

Under Ancelotti’s leadership, Real Madrid is set to finish second in LaLiga, trailing behind Barcelona, who also defeated them in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals this season.

Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Arsenal.

Alonso’s initial challenge will be the Club World Cup, where his team is grouped with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, Mexican club Pachuca, and Austria’s RB Salzburg in the newly expanded 32-team tournament, commencing on June 14.