Xabi Alonso Real Madrid era begins with first training session
Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso with a potential move to Real Madrid. Photo Credit- Goal.com
Xabi Alonso officially began his reign as head coach of Real Madrid on Monday, leading his first training session at the Valdebebas training ground. The 43-year-old Spanish tactician, who signed a three-year contract starting June 1, 2025, was pictured overseeing the session, marking a new chapter for the La Liga giants following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder who played 236 matches and won six trophies between 2009 and 2014, returned to the club after a standout tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. There, he achieved an unprecedented unbeaten domestic double in the 2023-2024 season, securing the club’s first Bundesliga title and first DFB Pokal since 1993. His appointment comes after Ancelotti’s exit, driven by internal disagreements over defensive strategies and youth integration, as reported by BBC Sport on May 25, 2025. Ancelotti, who amassed 15 trophies during his second stint, left for the Brazil national team role.
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Fans and analysts expressed optimism, with some noting his potential to transform the squad, especially with upcoming presentations of new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alonso’s arrival signals a strategic overhaul, with plans to integrate emerging talents like Endrick into the first team. His historical connection to Real Madrid, where he began his coaching career with the U14s in 2018, adds weight to expectations of a revitalized era.
The transition follows a trophyless 2024/2025 season for Real Madrid, prompting the club to seek a fresh direction. Alonso, in his presentation on May 26, 2025, as reported by ESPN, vowed to make the team an “unstoppable force,” thanking Ancelotti for his influence. As the football world watches, Alonso’s early moves suggest a blend of tactical innovation and reverence for the club’s legacy.
