Xabi Alonso: A new coach for Real Madrid - fans are thrilled!

Xabi Alonso: A new coach for Real Madrid - fans are thrilled!

Madrid, Spanien - On May 26, 2025, Xabi Alonso was officially presented as the new trainer of Real Madrid. The presentation took place in Madrid with the presence of club president Florentino Pérez. Alonso, who was active for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014 and trained under Carlo Ancelotti, officially took over the coaching post on June 1st.

Alonso described the day as "very special" and felt "like at home". In his first explanation as a coach of Spanish football giants, he spoke of a "beginning of a new stage". The contract with Real Madrid is valid until the end of June 2028 and provides that Alonso will already look after the team at the Club World Cup in the USA, which begins on June 14th.

honor of his career

The press conference started with an emotional video that looked back on Alonsos. Alonso was visibly moved at the presentation and was sitting alongside his wife Nagore Aranburu. President Pérez not only praised Alonso as "one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football", but also praised his success as a coach of Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team in the Bundesliga phase.

Although he led Leverkusen to the Champions League as a second in the table this season, the team remained without a title. Pérez explained that Alonso was one of the largest figures in world football and emphasized the high expectations of the new coach. Alonso follows Carlo Ancelotti, who with Real Madrid left the Champions League last season early and only took second place in La Liga.

The challenge takes over Alonso

Alonso has recognized that he has to make adjustments quickly, since the time is tight until the first competitive games. His first game with Real Madrid will take place on June 18 at the club World Cup against Al-Hilal. Team colleague Toni Kroos expressed himself optimistically about Alonso's skills as a trainer, but warned that Real Madrid is a completely different challenge than Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso has already achieved a lot in his coaching career and is received with high expectations in Madrid. He has set himself the goal of making the club "even bigger" and looking at the upcoming challenges with confidence. The fan feedback after his change was overwhelming after he led Bayer Leverkusen to the double and learned the support of his followers. Media reports indicate that Erik Ten HAG is brought into play as a potential successor for Alonso near Bayer Leverkusen.

With a clear plan and a deep connection to Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso begins a new chapter in his impressive career. The football world will now be excited about how its term of office will develop.

Krone | ZDF | Sky