Xabi Alonso Begins New Era as Real Madrid Coach Ahead of Major Challenges
Xabi Alonso Takes Charge at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso has officially assumed the role of head coach at Real Madrid, signaling the dawn of a new chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu. His inaugural competitive task will be the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. However, the true test for Alonso will arrive in September with the commencement of the UEFA Champions League, which is the club's primary goal each season.
A Legacy of Influential Coaches
During his 18-year playing career, Alonso was influenced by some of football's most successful figures, including Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola, and Vicente del Bosque. This remarkable group has collectively secured 16 Champions League titles, surpassing Real Madrid's own total of 15.
Alonso's extensive exposure to tactical expertise is already yielding results. His coaching achievements include a promotion with Real Sociedad B in the Segunda Division and an unbeaten Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, marking a historic first for the club in its 119-year existence.
The Importance of the Champions League
Real Madrid's aspirations in European football remain exceptionally high. The team's inability to advance past the quarterfinals in the 2024/25 season, where they lost 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal, ultimately led to Carlo Ancelotti's exit.
Alonso steps into this role with a clear directive: to reclaim the European crown. Ancelotti himself acknowledged the need for change in an interview, stating, "We spoke after Arsenal and it was time for a change." For any manager at Madrid, achieving success in Europe is essential.
Alonso's Footballing Journey
Alonso's transition from player to coach is marked by significant milestones:
- **Debut and Rise:** He made his professional debut on December 1, 1999, for Real Sociedad, followed by a loan to Eibar before returning to help Sociedad avoid relegation.
- **Anfield Triumph:** In 2004, he joined Liverpool under Rafa Benitez, winning the Champions League in his first season by defeating AC Milan in the 2005 Istanbul final.
- **Madrid Midfield Star:** In 2009, he signed with Real Madrid, playing under Pellegrini, Mourinho, and Ancelotti, contributing to the end of Barcelona's domestic dominance.
- **German Precision:** His final playing years at Bayern Munich saw him under the guidance of Pep Guardiola and later Ancelotti again.
Success with Spain's Golden Generation
Alonso's international career was equally illustrious, earning 114 caps for Spain and playing a pivotal role in the nation's golden era, including starting every match during their 2010 FIFA World Cup victory in South Africa.
His experience with the national team under Vicente del Bosque, who also won two Champions League titles with Madrid, solidified Alonso's understanding of achieving success at the highest level.
Madrid's Title Aspirations
Despite being the most successful club in European football, with six Champions League titles in the last 12 years, Real Madrid is currently the second favorite to win the 2025/26 edition. Liverpool, the newly crowned Premier League champions, are the top contenders, even though they were eliminated by PSG in the previous season's round of 16.
Real Madrid's odds are set at 7.5, with analysts and fans questioning whether Alonso can replicate the rare achievement of winning the Champions League in his debut season as head coach, a feat accomplished by Jupp Heynckes and Carlo Ancelotti.
A Season of High Expectations
For Xabi Alonso, the transition from midfield maestro to Real Madrid's head coach has come full circle. With a footballing education shaped by modern legends and early coaching success, he now faces one of the most scrutinized roles in club football.
Can he withstand the pressure? Will he deliver in Europe? If his history and pedigree are any indicators, he just might.