On Saturday, Real Madrid closed the Carlo Ancelotti era with a victory against Real Sociedad. The Mister, just like Luka Modric, was able to say goodbye to the Madrid club. A moment loaded with emotion. The next day, the residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium announced the name of his replacement. And unsurprisingly, Xabi Alonso (43) was the elected official of Florentino Pérez and management. “Real Madrid CF announces that Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028”could we read on the press release. This Monday, the Spaniard lived his first day in his new costume. He was presented to the press, which was impatiently awaiting more about his project and his ideas to relaunch the Madrid win machine.
Between Real Madrid and him, an obvious choice
He also received an ovation when he entered the press room. After the broadcast of a video retracing his career and a powerful speech by Florentino Pérez which was addressed to him, the new strong man of Real Madrid took the floor, not without emotion. He spoke of a “Special day” While paying tribute to Carlo Ancelotti, an example he wishes to draw inspiration from the Merengues to the top. After his speech, Xabi Alonso posed with the Madrid jersey and his staff before participating in a press conference. Accompanied by Emilio Butragueño, director of institutional relations at Real Madrid, the 43 -year -old technician answered many questions from journalists.
“It is a very exciting day, which we remember. I think that one has only one chance in his life to train Real Madrid, and today is the first day. I feel proud, responsible and full of energy. I can't wait to start a new era ”he confessed before explaining why he said yes to this size challenge. “It must work in both directions: may Madrid want you and you want it. Since yesterday, I consider myself the coach of Real Madrid. I showed this energy, this enthusiasm when it was formalized. Today is even more true. The next step is to be alongside the players. I have already been alongside some, and I will have to be with others. But I already feel like the coach of this team. ”
He wants to impose his style
He continues: “I feel it (that it is ready to train Real Madrid, Editor's note), I have the impression that this is the moment when everything is being set up. But it is mainly thanks to people. They are enthusiastic, they visualize and want to believe it. And it gives a lot of energy. Then you have to work hard, but that's the right time. “ A role that will necessarily place it under pressure. But Xabi Alonso is serene. ” No not at all. Obviously, the requirements in Madrid are extremely high, and we must accept the challenge. But it is a very beautiful challenge, and we can do things that fascinate Real Madrid supporters and the public. That's why we're here. We really have the necessary energy. ”
While the Spanish press had long assured that he would take control of the team after the club World Cup, the former environment finally agreed to put on his Real Madrid coach costume earlier than expected. “The circumstances were favorable. I see it as a double opportunity. On the one hand, getting things done. On the other, fight for a new title. This is the first club World Cup, and the ambition is there. ” He also has the ambition and the desire to completely put his paw on this workforce of choices. Regarding the style of play he wants to set up, he explained: *”It's a good question, and I appreciate it, because current football requires flexibility and dynamism. It requires mobility.
The management of “BMVR”
He specifies: “I have an idea of the way we want to play, but the system can evolve. I want the team to send emotion and energy, to play with ambition and create a link with supporters. The symbiosis we are looking for is essential for a good start to the season. I like to develop the potential of each player so that the pieces come together (…) The idea is how to do, always have control and know what to do. But you have to know how to manage situations, search for pressing and go back if necessary. But the idea of an ambitious and active game, where we know how to take initiatives … We have players for that. ” One of the biggest projects will notably be to set up a solid defense.
“I watched the matches and I analyzed them. Now I think about how to build a balanced team. So that everyone knows how to do things. This will bring us stability that will allow each player to flourish. ” Regarding the team attack, he confessed: “Football is a dynamic sport. I want us to be able to interpret things and that the players can play where they are most comfortable, where they can better demonstrate their physical, tactical and mental qualities … The advantage is to have good players. And then, that's my problem (laughs). “ However, we will have to succeed in playing all the stars together, notably Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé.
He has his say to the Madrid transfer window
“It's a chance to have players from this caliber. Not just Kylian or Vinicius, but so many others. They are differential players, they make the difference, and we have to exploit everything they have. I have ideas. There is still time to meet them. But for me, it is very important to make them understand what we want. These are high -level players, and it is our mission. ” And he has not forgotten Rodrygo, that some announce leaving. “Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will talk to all those who play Real Madrid. They deserve it, and we need it. Rodrygo is a spectacular player; We will need him. “ Just like Jude Bellingham, who can play everywhere according to him.
“It can be exceptional anywhere, because he is an exceptional player. Its emergence marks an important step for Real Madrid. He is 21 years old and will be fundamental for future club projects. He is a good player to work with. I see it as a midfielder. We will try to make it as efficient as possible. ” Finally, there was talk of the transfer window and the recruitment of an environment. “Our duty is to always try to progress. This is why, since I am coach of Real Madrid, I want to communicate and share this vision with the club in order to define together the path to follow. The workforce is excellent and I want to start working with them. I am here with the desire to work in a team and to progress. ” Asked about the arrival of Dean Huijsen and the departure of Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso said: “Everything has been agreed and discussed. There are things that concern me and others that do not concern me, but this is the limit. I officially work to make decisions. ” The Xabi Alonso era can start.
