At 43, Xabi Alonso has made a major decision—he will leave German club Bayer Leverkusen to take over as head coach of Real Madrid. The news has immediately captured the attention of football fans worldwide.
Who is Alonso? If you’re a football fan, this name should ring a bell. He was once a world-class midfielder known for his calm demeanor and precise passing. Now, he has transitioned into coaching and is doing an excellent job.
Over the past few years, his work at Bayer Leverkusen has been exceptional. He led the team to an almost perfect season: 28 wins, 6 draws, and no losses, securing the Bundesliga title outright. This is no small feat for any coach. Additionally, he has helped numerous young players develop, such as Wirtz, who blossomed into a Bundesliga star under his guidance.
Alonso’s coaching style is also very distinctive. He likes his team to control possession while also pressing high up the pitch. This style allows his team to control the rhythm of the game while putting pressure on the opposition in their half. His philosophy is very similar to his playing style: calm, rational, and organized.
However, he is not here to talk about his past achievements, but to take on a new challenge—coaching Real Madrid.
Many people might find this news surprising at first. After all, Real Madrid is one of the most closely watched clubs in the world, and their coaching position has never been an easy one. But if you take a closer look at Alonso’s career trajectory, you’ll see that this move was actually foreshadowed.
As early as last year, there were rumors that Alonso might want to coach Real Madrid. There were even reports that when he renewed his contract with Bayer Leverkusen, he had already mentioned his desire to return to Spain in the future. So this departure seems more like a planned step than a sudden decision.
So the question is: why did Real Madrid choose him?
There are many reasons. First, Alonso is a “Real Madrid man” at heart. He spent many years playing for the club and is deeply familiar with its culture and systems. Second, as a coach, he has demonstrated strong learning and adaptability skills. Whether serving as an assistant coach at Bayern Munich or taking the reins at Leverkusen, he quickly found his rhythm.
Most importantly, Real Madrid is currently in a phase of transition. Veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti is about to leave, and the team needs a new leader. Alonso has all the qualities Real Madrid is looking for: he knows the club, he is capable, and he is passionate.
Of course, some people are concerned: can he really lead Real Madrid to success?
After all, while Bayer Leverkusen is a solid team, it pales in comparison to Real Madrid in terms of squad depth and media attention. Coaching at Real Madrid means not only dealing with media pressure but also managing player relationships and meeting the expectations of the club’s higher-ups.
But from another perspective, Alonso has already proven that he can lead a united and competitive team. What he has done at Leverkusen, such as developing new players, adjusting tactics, and maintaining stable results, are all tangible achievements.
Moreover, he is not the type of person who relies solely on experience. He is constantly learning and adjusting during his coaching career and is willing to try new things. This is very important in modern football.
What about Leverkusen? Will they fall into chaos after losing Alonso?
Indeed, this is a huge loss for them. Alonso not only brought about improved results, but also helped the team establish a more stable system. In particular, the growth of young players has laid a foundation for the team’s future.
That said, no team can rely on a single coach forever. Alonso’s departure might serve as a fresh start for Leverkusen. If they can find a suitable replacement and continue to uphold the philosophy he left behind, the road ahead won’t be too difficult.
As for Real Madrid, Alonso’s arrival has undoubtedly injected new hope into the team. Especially after a period of transition, fans are looking forward to seeing how this former star will use his own style to take Real Madrid to new heights.
Some say that Alonso’s decision is like a “risk.” After all, coaching Real Madrid is no easy task. But he himself does not seem afraid of challenges. On the contrary, it seems like he has been waiting for this opportunity.
From player to coach, Alonso’s career trajectory has always been unique. He wasn’t the type of player who relied on physical talent to succeed, but rather a classic example of a player who relied on his brain. Now, he will use the same approach to direct games and manage the team.
Regardless of the outcome, we can at least be certain of one thing: Alonso is not someone who backs down easily. He dares to pursue his goals and is willing to take on the corresponding responsibilities.
For fans, this is perhaps the most exciting part. We don’t know if Alonso will succeed at Real Madrid, but we know that he will strive in his own way. And this is one of the most appealing aspects of football.
In summary, Alonso’s departure from Bayer Leverkusen and his move to Real Madrid is a topic of much discussion. It is not only a personnel change between two teams, but also an important turning point in a person’s career.
What will happen next? No one can predict with certainty. But one thing is certain: whether in Germany or Spain, Alonso has already left his mark. Now, he is set to begin writing a new chapter.
Let’s wait and see. Will this former midfield maestro be able to showcase his extraordinary talent once again from the sidelines?
