Xabi Alonso is satisfied he can obtain nice issues at Actual Madrid after he was unveiled as the brand new supervisor of the LaLiga membership on Monday.
Alonso was confirmed as Carlo Ancelotti’s substitute, who will be part of the Brazil nationwide workforce, on Sunday and returns to the membership he spent six seasons with as a participant.
The 43-year-old arrives within the Spanish capital from Bayer Leverkusen, who he guided to a home double as they received the DFB-Pokal and first Bundesliga title final 12 months.
Alonso arrives with nice pedigree, profitable 89 of his 140 video games in control of Leverkusen throughout all competitions (D32 L19) and desires to proceed that success in Madrid.
“Unquestionably, this can be a very big day for me. A day that I’ll have marked in my calendar for all times,” mentioned Alonso, who will start his tenure on June 1.
“I’m very pleased to be right here, in what I really feel is my dwelling,” mentioned Alonso, who will start his tenure on June 1 forward of the Membership World Cup.
“The bond with Madrid has by no means ceased to exist and, since I entered Valdebebas (coaching centre) an hour and a half in the past, that feeling has been reborn.
“I’ve the sensation that that is the start of a brand new period. Now we have a terrific workforce, we have now unbelievable gamers and an excellent potential.
“That provides me a purpose to come back right here with plenty of vitality and enthusiasm. Now we have the conviction that we are able to obtain necessary issues, worthy of Actual Madrid and these European Cups.”
#WelcomeXabi pic.twitter.com/W02fjqUMqe
— Actual Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) Might 26, 2025
Alonso takes cost of a Madrid aspect who endured a uncommon trophyless season, ending second in LaLiga to rivals Barcelona.
They had been additionally crushed within the Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey ultimate by Barca, and had been knocked out within the Champions League semi-finals by Arsenal.
Alonso has put pen to paper on a three-year contract till June 2028, changing Ancelotti, who oversaw a 2-0 win over Actual Sociedad in his ultimate recreation in cost on Saturday.
In his handle on the presentation, the Spaniard paid tribute to his predecessor and former coach.
“Earlier than I begin speaking concerning the new period, I don’t need to neglect to speak concerning the period that has simply ended,” Alonso mentioned.
“Carlo was my coach, a terrific particular person and an enormous affect. With out his mastery, I in all probability wouldn’t be right here.
“I take over and keep on his legacy with nice honour and pleasure. I hope to reside as much as expectations and be capable to take the membership to all of the locations all of us imagine we are able to.”
