Xabi Alonso is convinced that he can achieve great things at Real Madrid after being unveiled on Monday as the new manager of the LaLiga Club.
Alonso was confirmed as the replacement of Carlo Ancelotti, who will join the Brazilian national team on Sunday and returns to the club with whom he spent six seasons as a player.
The 43-year-old arrives in the Spanish capital of Bayer Leverkusen, which he led to a domestic double when they won the DFB Pokal and the first Bundesliga title last year.
Alonso arrives with a great pedigree and wins 89 of his 140 competitions responsible for Leverkusen in all competitions (D32 L19) and wants to continue that success in Madrid.
“Without a doubt this is a very special day for me. A day that I will have marked in my calendar for life,” said Alonso, who starts his term of office on 1 June.
“I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home,” said Alonso, who will start his term of office on 1 June prior to the club World Cup.
“The band with Madrid has never stopped and since I entered Valdebebas (training center) an hour and a half ago, that feeling has been reborn.
“I feel that this is the start of a new era. We have a great team, we have fantastic players and a very good potential.
“That gives me a reason to come here with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We are convinced that we can achieve important things, worthy that Real Madrid and these European cups are worth it.”
#Welcomexabi pic.twitter.com/W02fjqumqe
– Real Madrid CF (@Realmadriden) 26 May 2025
Alonso takes the lead on a side of Madrid who has endured a rare trophic season and finished second in Laliga to Rivals Barcelona.
They were also beaten in the Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey Final by Barca, and were eliminated in the semi -final of the Champions League by Arsenal.
Alonso put a pen on paper on a three-year contract until June 2028, to replace Ancelotti, who supervised a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in his last game on Saturday.
In his speech on the presentation, the Spaniard tribute to his predecessor and former coach.
“Before I start talking about the new era, I don't want to forget to talk about the era that just ended,” said Alonso.
“Carlo was my coach, a great person and a huge influence. Without his control I would probably not be here.
“I take it over and continue his legacy with great honor and pride. I hope to meet expectations and bring the club to all the places we all believe.”