Real Madrid elect Xabi Alonso as head coach to pave way for new era at Bernabéu
The Mt Kenya Times 
Xabi Alonso
By: Norman Mwale
“Real Madrid represents excellence and responsibility. My commitment is to honour that history and build a team that competes, inspires and wins.” — Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as first-team head coach, ending weeks of speculation and signalling a decisive shift towards a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu. The club announced the decision late on Monday following a board meeting in the capital, with president Florentino Pérez describing the former midfielder as “the ideal figure to lead our sporting project and to pave the way for the next chapter in the history of this institution”. Alonso, 44, returns to Madrid after a remarkable tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered the club’s first Bundesliga title and an unbeaten domestic season, earning plaudits for his tactical clarity, man-management and commitment to attacking football.
Speaking at his unveiling, Alonso said the opportunity to manage the club where he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League as a player was “an honour I do not take lightly”. “I know what this badge demands,” he told reporters. “Real Madrid represents excellence and responsibility. My commitment is to honour that history and build a team that competes, inspires and wins. We will work every day with humility and ambition.” The Spaniard has signed a three-year contract and will begin work immediately, with pre-season preparations already underway at Valdebebas.
President Pérez said the appointment reflects the board’s long-term vision. “Xabi understands Real Madrid from the inside. He has the character, the intelligence and the modern footballing ideas we believe are essential to face the challenges ahead,” Pérez stated. “This is not only about today. It is about paving the way for sustained success, for integrating our academy talent and for playing the kind of football our supporters expect.” General director José Ángel Sánchez confirmed that Alonso will have a central role in squad planning alongside the technical department, with several contract renewals and targeted signings expected before the window closes.
Outgoing coach Carlo Ancelotti, who leaves after a decorated second spell that included two Champions League titles, offered his public backing. “Xabi was a master on the pitch and he has shown he is a master on the bench,” Ancelotti said in a club statement. “He has my full support. Real Madrid is in excellent hands.” Club captain Dani Carvajal echoed the sentiment after training on Tuesday. “We all know Xabi. He demands the best, but he gives everything for the group. The dressing room is ready to work and to fight for him,” Carvajal said.
Alonso’s arrival comes as Madrid look to blend established stars with emerging talents from La Fábrica, and as the club prepares for a demanding calendar that includes La Liga, the Champions League and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Sporting analysts noted that his Leverkusen side was defined by positional discipline, rapid transitions and trust in youth, qualities the Bernabéu faithful have long prized. For Pérez, the message was unmistakable. “We have elected Xabi Alonso to lead, to teach and to win,” he concluded. “Now, the work begins.”
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- A journey that began with Ixlos School
- Armenia’s ruling party claims victory in June parliamentary election
- Australian Man and South African woman claim victory in gruelling Durban ultramarathon
- Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment case ruling in pictures
- Gachagua’s trial rights infringed
About the Author
