By admin 
When Xabi Alonso steps into the Actual Madrid dugout this summer time, he will not solely be inheriting the most adorned workforce in world soccer, however additionally one of the most demanding jobs in the sport.
Swapping the secure 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 the whole lot as a participant, now tasked with persevering with that legacy from the sidelines.
Carlo Ancelotti’s exit leaves enormous sneakers 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 preserve the trophies flowing whereas additionally reshaping a squad that’s getting into a interval of transition.
Right here are the main issues Alonso should handle 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 12 months 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 complete 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 time. 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 will seemingly price a small fortune.
Settling Trent
One of the most intriguing elements of Alonso’s Actual Madrid tenure will be integrating Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is anticipated to arrive from Liverpool this summer time.
The England worldwide brings world-class creativity from deep, however he additionally presents a tactical problem – one that Alonso should resolve rapidly.
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 might 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 underneath Alonso.
However adaptation will take time. New league, new tradition, and sky-excessive expectations. With the assistance of England team-mate Jude Bellingham, Alonso shall be hoping for a fast and straightforward course of.
🚨⚪️ Actual Madrid have determined to attempt usher in a brand new centre again this summer time, clear indication from Xabi Alonso accepted by the administration.
The membership additionally retains on the lookout for 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 best marketing campaign. The Brazilian winger, as soon as hailed as the inheritor to Neymar’s throne, has struggled regardless of coming so near profitable 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 could be taking part in a position in that dip. As soon as the attacking focal level, Vinicius now appears a participant uncertain 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 greatest.
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 a whole lot 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 12 months.
Whereas Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni provide promise, there’s a want for extra verticality, power, and objective menace 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 robust candidate.
Xabi Alonso. 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/8HHFLUTKQS
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 11, 2025
A brand new id
One of the largest criticisms of Actual Madrid underneath Ancelotti has been a lack of clear id. Whereas Barcelona have leaned closely into youth, and PSG’s undertaking is now clearly centered round tempo, width and fluid attacking, Madrid typically look like a workforce 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 huge query now is: can Alonso do the identical at Madrid?
Does he have the gamers for it? Some items are there. A again three might go well with Alaba, Rudiger, and Militao. Wing-backs? Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia might do a job, however neither is at Jeremie Frimpong’s degree, who thrived in that position for Alonso.
Up entrance, Bellingham and Mbappe might 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 anticipate attacking soccer. Gamers anticipate 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 path. Younger, bold, 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 stress is on Alonso to hit the floor working.
He’s taking a danger. So are Madrid. However if he will get the defence stable, revitalises Vinicius, reinvents the midfield, and stamps his personal tactical id on the workforce, he might be the man to usher in a new golden period at the Bernabeu.
If not? The job would possibly eat him alive.