Real Madrid Under a New Coach and Tactical System
Xabi Alonso has officially taken over as the new coach of Real Madrid this summer.
Succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving to manage the Brazil national team.
This change marks the beginning of a new era for the “royal club.”
Alonso has emphasized that he will continue the legacy of his predecessor while aiming to restore the club to the summit of European football.
The former midfield maestro returns to Madrid after playing for the club between 2009 and 2014, winning La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014.
During his presentation, Alonso expressed that Madrid has always been his home and that he is proud to take on this responsibility.
Last season, Real Madrid underperformed — including a disappointing FIFA Club World Cup campaign — despite winning the European Super Cup.
They also lost all four El Clásicos against Barcelona. Alonso is aware of the challenges ahead but remains confident in the team’s potential.
Alonso arrives in Madrid following a hugely successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen,
where he won both the Bundesliga and the German Cup, becoming the first coach in Bundesliga history to complete a league season unbeaten.
His only defeat in the 2023/24 season came in the Europa League final against Atalanta, but his team bounced back just three days later to lift the Cup.
Known for his tactical flexibility
and modern football philosophy, Alonso’s style at Leverkusen revolved around ball control, high pressing, and quick transitions. This approach could inject a refreshing style into Real Madrid’s play. Club president Florentino Pérez praised Alonso, saying he perfectly embodies Real Madrid’s values and is confident in his ability to bring success.
Xabier Alonso Olano, who turns 44 on November 25, previously coached only the B team of Real Sociedad in his native Basque Country.
Born in Tolosa, about 30 kilometers south of San Sebastián, Alonso began his senior playing career at Real Sociedad before moving on to star for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
He won 14 major trophies as a player, including two Champions League titles (2005 with Liverpool in the famous Istanbul comeback against AC Milan, and 2014 with Real Madrid during the La Décima triumph).
With Spain, he was a two-time European champion (2008 and 2012) and a World Cup winner in 2010.
From debutant to strategist of Spain’s most decorated club — and arguably the biggest club in the world —
Alonso’s rise has been swift.
His father, Periko Alonso, was also a midfielder and a two-time La Liga champion with Real Sociedad in 1981 and 1982 before coaching the club in 2000.
Notably, when Xabi was 18, he refused to join the first team while his father was coach to avoid accusations of nepotism — a quality of honor highly valued in Basque culture.
He only made his debut after his father’s departure, appearing in a cup match against Logroñés under coach Javier Clemente.
Now, all eyes are on Alonso as he begins his mission to restore Real Madrid to the top of European football.
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