When Xabi Alonso steps into the Actual Madrid dugout this summer season, he will not solely be inheriting the most embellished staff in world soccer, however additionally one of the most demanding jobs in the sport.
Swapping the protected seat of Bayer Leverkusen – the place he masterminded their first-ever Bundesliga title – for the white-scorching highlight of the Santiago Bernabeu, Alonso returns to the membership the place he received every part as a participant, now tasked with persevering with that legacy from the sidelines.
Carlo Ancelotti’s exit leaves large footwear to fill. The Italian has guided Madrid to a number of Champions League and La Liga titles in two profitable spells.
Now, Alonso will be anticipated to hold the trophies flowing whereas additionally reshaping a squad that’s coming into a interval of transition.
Right here are the main issues Alonso should tackle when he begins life as Actual Madrid’s head coach.
🚨🤍 Xabi Alonso to Actual Madrid, right here we go! Story confirmed and deal sealed for Xabi as new supervisor till 2028.
Employees sorted, contract in place and three yr deal for Alonso with Actual planning for him to start out at FIFA Membership World Cup.
Ancelotti farewell quickly, then Xabi period. 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/s6jY4DzZmx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2025
Defensive instability
Actual Madrid’s backline has proven moments of brilliance this season, however it’s additionally been far from dependable.
Antonio Rudiger typically walks a tightrope with his aggressive model and recurrently leads to moments of chaos.
In the meantime, Eder Militao will return from an ACL harm that has sidelined him for practically the whole season, however it’s by no means assured a participant will come again at their earlier degree, particularly from knee accidents.
David Alaba has additionally struggled with health, and Nacho is anticipated to go away the membership this summer season. Reinforcements are a necessity – and Madrid know it.
The membership has been linked with a vary of choices. Cristian Romero of Tottenham has reportedly caught their eye, whereas Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is one other identify on the radar.
There are even whispers of a transfer for Arsenal’s William Saliba, however that may doubtless price a small fortune.
Settling Trent
One of the most intriguing points of Alonso’s Actual Madrid tenure will be integrating Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is anticipated to arrive from Liverpool this summer season.
The England worldwide brings world-class creativity from deep, however he additionally presents a tactical problem – one that Alonso should resolve shortly.
Trent isn’t a standard right-again. His defensive positioning has typically been questioned, however his attacking output is elite.
The key is discovering Trent’s position in the system. If Alonso replicates his 3-4-2-1 setup from Bayer Leverkusen, Alexander-Arnold may thrive as a proper wing-again – a place that permits him to create with out the identical defensive burden. Jeremie Frimpong starred in that position beneath Alonso.
However adaptation will take time. New league, new tradition, and sky-excessive expectations. With the assistance of England team-mate Jude Bellingham, Alonso can be hoping for a fast and straightforward course of.
🚨⚪️ Actual Madrid have determined to strive herald a brand new centre again this summer season, clear indication from Xabi Alonso accepted by the administration.
The membership additionally retains in search of a brand new left again as a part of the switch technique. pic.twitter.com/Dl2dYMRO6q
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2025
The case of Vinicius Junior
Few gamers divide opinion at Madrid extra than Vinicius Junior, and 2024-25 has not been his most interesting marketing campaign. The Brazilian winger, as soon as hailed as the inheritor to Neymar’s throne, has struggled regardless of coming so near successful the Ballon d’Or.
Statistically, it’s been underwhelming. As of Could, Vinicius has simply eight targets and 5 assists in La Liga – a steep drop from his 17 targets and 10 assists from the earlier season.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappe might be taking part in a position in that dip. As soon as the attacking focal level, Vinicius now appears a participant not sure of his position. Tright here’s been a seen frustration in his performances, one thing Alonso should resolve.
Whether or not that means shifting the form to accommodate each Mbappe and Vinicius or merely placing an arm round his shoulder, Madrid want their Brazilian talisman again at his finest.
Discovering a brand new midfield engine
The coronary heart of Madrid’s golden era is beating slower these days. Luka Modric, now 39, has taken on extra of a cameo position, however nonetheless performs plenty of minutes.
Dani Ceballos hasn’t developed into the midfield dynamo many hoped foreither and Eduardo Camavinga, regardless of his expertise, has had a disappointing yr.
Whereas Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni provide promise, there’s a want for extra verticality, vitality, and aim risk in midfield.
Alonso, who constructed Leverkusen’s system round gamers like Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz, will be trying for related profiles in Spain.
Potential signings? Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle has been on Madrid’s radar. Joao Neves, Benfica’s 19-year-previous star, is one other sturdy candidate.
Xabi Alonso. 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/8HHFLUTKQS
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 11, 2025
A brand new identification
One of the greatest criticisms of Actual Madrid beneath Ancelotti has been a lack of clear identification. Whereas Barcelona have leaned closely into youth, and PSG’s mission is now clearly targeted round tempo, width and fluid attacking, Madrid typically look like a staff relying on particular person brilliance.
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen had been the polar reverse. Their 3-4-2-1 system was structured, and extremely adaptable. They constructed from the again, managed the tempo, and suffocated opponents. The massive query now is: can Alonso do the identical at Madrid?
Does he have the gamers for it? Some items are there. A again three may go well with Alaba, Rudiger, and Militao. Wing-backs? Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia may do a job, however neither is at Jeremie Frimpong’s degree, who thrived in that position for Alonso.
Up entrance, Bellingham and Mbappe may play in the twin No.10 roles, with somebody like Rodrygo or Vinicius performing as the spearhead.
However adopting such a construction at Madrid is dangerous. Followers count on attacking soccer. Gamers count on freedom. Alonso will want to both adapt his system or start to construct a squad that suits his philosophy.
Alonso and Madrid, a match made in heaven?
Xabi Alonso returns to Actual Madrid not simply as a acquainted face, however as a image of the membership’s future route. Younger, formidable, tactically sharp.
This is a membership that chews up managers for breakfast. Profitable is non-negotiable. And with Barcelona re-establishing their dominance in La Liga this season, the strain is on Alonso to hit the floor operating.
He’s taking a threat. So are Madrid. However if he will get the defence strong, revitalises Vinicius, reinvents the midfield, and stamps his personal tactical identification on the staff, he may be the man to usher in a new golden period at the Bernabeu.
If not? The job would possibly eat him alive.
