New Delhi: Through an unprecedented German league and cup double for Bayer Leverkusen last season, Xabi Alonso has already raised expectations as coach and nothing short of those lofty standards would be accepted at Real Madrid.
His job is not made easier by his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving to take over as Brazil national team’s head job, after four successful seasons in his second stint though the last one fetched only the UEFA Super Cup.
In his five years as a player, Alonso helped Real win the La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014. As he returns as coach on a three-year contract, the Spaniard insists to have a positive feeling about his new role at the club.
“I’m here to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who was my coach and is a great person. He is a coach who left his mark on me and had a great influence,” Alonso said.
“Without his guidance, I probably wouldn’t be here. I’ll pick up his legacy with pride and honor of now being in the position that Carlo was before, and I hope to live up to the expectations and lead this club to achieve all of its objectives.”
‘Home coming’
From 2009 to 2014, Alonso had helped Real lift six titles and that experience would definitely be helpful in his new role in the dugout.
“Without a doubt this is a very special day for me. I’m very happy to be at a place where I feel is my home. I may have been a few years away, but the link with Real Madrid and Madrid fans has always existed,” Alonso said.
Th3 43-year-old was introduced as Madrid’s new coach with a short video of his highlights as a player and coach. He began his coaching career at Madrid’s youth squads, Real Sociedad’s ‘B’ team and then found success with Bayer, who under him became the first team to win a Bundesliga campaign undefeated and were beaten only once in the entire 2023-24 season.
“Today is a very special day for all of us, it’s the start of a new phase,” Real president Florentino Perez said.
“Because we have a new coach who already is one of the best in the world and who represents the values of Real Madrid because he knows exactly what this shield and this shirt means.”
After five years as a player, Xabi Alonso returns to Real Madrid as coach on a three-year contract Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
