Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid midfielder, was officially presented as the new coach of the Merengues on Monday. The Spaniard succeeds Carlo Ancelotti and faces a major challenge to restore the team while honoring his predecessor.
In his first press conference, Alonso expressed his pride in returning to the club he considers “his home.” “For me, this is undoubtedly a very special day. A day I will mark for life on my calendar. I am very happy to be here, in what I consider my home,” said the 43-year-old coach. He also emphasized the strong bond he shares with the club, despite his departure, and spoke about the enthusiasm of Madrid supporters for this new phase.
A Tribute to Carlo Ancelotti
Xabi Alonso took a moment to pay tribute to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting his impact on his career. “Before I start talking about this new phase, I want to talk about the one that has just ended. Carlo was my coach, a great person, and a great influence,” he said. The former Bayern Munich coach added that he takes on Ancelotti’s legacy “with great honor and pride” and hopes to meet the expectations of the fans and the team.
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Expectations Without Specific Demands
Regarding the summer transfer market, Alonso stated that he did not come with specific demands. “Our duty is always to want to improve. That’s why, since I became the coach of Madrid, I want to have this communication and vision with the club to reach a consensus,” he explained. Real Madrid seems already active in the transfer market, with signings expected, including center-back Dean Huijsen and full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras.
With a talented team and significant pressure on his shoulders, Xabi Alonso will begin his tenure with the goal of restoring the reputation of a club that had a disappointing season. The challenges are numerous, but the former World Cup champion seems ready to take on the challenge and guide Real Madrid to new heights.
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