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Xabi Alonso Takes Charge at Real Madrid | New Era Begins at the Bernabéu


Xabi Alonso was officially announced on Monday as Real Madrid’s new manager, after the club parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti following a trophyless season. Xabi Alonso’s return did not come as a surprise, already advertised after he led Leverkusen to a Bundesliga trophy last season. Here is what to expect from his tenure, having signed a contract for the next three years…

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Alonso’s Tactical Philosophy 

Xabi Alonso’s first press conference as a Real Madrid manager was full of the Spaniard insisting the team cannot “suffer” (as Ancelotti often used this term). Instead, they should look to dominate possession and create more chances. 

Being a legendary midfielder himself, few players are better positioned to talk about midfield dominance. The issue was a regular critique of Ancelotti’s system, which relied on offensive output to keep the boat afloat.

Transfer Activity: Strengthening the Backline

With every new manager come new signings. A majority of Madrid’s defensive signings have already been completed, which concerns Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) and Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth). 

A major issue during the season was the lack of depth in the backline, forcing Ancelotti to play midfielders out of position. The full-backs had already been a topic for several years. 

Reports claim that Florentino Pérez tried to sign Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies for the left-back position, but the Canadian extended his contract. Instead, it will be 22-year-old Álvaro Carreras who will replace Mendy. The latter has been insufficient throughout the season, mostly due to his lack of involvement in the final third. 

Key Departures: End of an Era

As for the exits, the most important, without a doubt, has already been announced. Luka Modrić played his last game with the club against Real Sociedad, as he said his goodbyes in an emotional farewell. 

The Croatian legend was one of the last of the team that won the three Champions Leagues under the guidance of Zinédine Zidane. It is true that his exit was expected, as he featured less and less due to his advanced age. 

However, there is no doubt that Madrid will struggle to find a successor, just as they have not found a replacement for Toni Kroos, who left in the year before. 

Rodrygo’s Uncertain Future

Another key departure (and probably just as meaningful) would be Rodrygo’s. The Brazilian has struggled to impress this season and did not even feature in the last matches, as Ancelotti preferred to give his position to upcoming La Fábrica academy graduates. 

One of the reasons why he may leave is that, despite his excellence, he will never regain his preferred position. Although Rodrygo has become a great player on the right-wing, his primary role remains on the other flank. 

Tensions have started rising this season between Rodrygo and the club, in major part as he has not felt as appreciated as he has been in the past. It goes without saying that it has impacted his output on the pitch. 

On the other hand, there have been several elite clubs in Europe that have expressed interest in the player, including Manchester City. It is not the first time Pep Guardiola has been after the player, although there has never been a better time for both parties to complete the deal.

Market Outlook and Remaining Signings

As for the rest, it will be difficult to predict what Xabi Alonso’s Madrid will look like. Rumours surfaced on Monday that Carreras would be the last defensive signing of the season, as the club is eying the market for other positions. 

In the case of Rodrygo, this may mean another right-winger, although there is no certainty on the matter. Some minor players, such as Jesús Vallejo, are also likely to leave, although this would not impact the team in the slightest.

What to Expect: Alonso’s Tactical Revolution

The first taste of Xabi’s Madrid will be seen in two weeks, when Real Madrid will compete in the Club World Cup. However, a more strategic Madrid can be expected, with more insistence on pressing and less offensive dependency on the forwards. 

Until now, the full-backs were usually tasked with assisting their corresponding winger or running up and down the wing. This is likely to change with the arrival of Alonso, especially considering Alexander-Arnold’s profile, which is better suited to a wing-back role than a traditional full-back. 

Physical demands had been another topic during the Ancelotti era, especially in the 2024-25 season, when players were falling like flies due to injuries. German teams are known for their physical intensity, and Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen was no exception. It would not be surprising if Xabi Alonso were to bring his staff over, especially given his legendary status, which grants him automatic authority. 

The Ultimate Challenge: Managing Superstars

The only doubt concerning Xabi Alonso would surround his management of egos, as he will have to manage several superstars in Antonio Rüdiger, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham

Vinicius, for example, was one of the players that the fanbase found disappointing over the course of the 2024/25 season. 

The Brazilian had promised an incredible year following the frustration of not winning the Ballon d’Or, but proceeded to have a mediocre season. Alonso will have to find a way to navigate through egos and Pérez’s politics, which have notoriously been a difficult task for Xabi Alonso’s predecessors. 

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At Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso did not encounter such problems, despite having some veteran players. He had a joyful squad, which helped ease the atmosphere. If anyone knows and understands what it means to wear Madrid’s colours, it would be Xabi Alonso. Now he needs to act accordingly, which has been a difficult step for ex-legends that became coaches at their club. 





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