Real Madrid Agree Deal to Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Manager
In a move that is set to shake up the football world, Real Madrid have agreed a deal to make Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso their new manager, according to reports from talkSPORT. The news comes as no surprise, given Alonso’s impressive managerial career to date, which has seen him win a Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal with Leverkusen in 2024.
Alonso’s success with Leverkusen has been nothing short of remarkable. The Spanish manager took over the German side in October 2022, when they were languishing in the relegation zone. However, under his guidance, the team has undergone a remarkable transformation, with Alonso implementing a 3-4-3 formation that has brought a new level of fluidity and creativity to the side. As talkSPORT notes, Alonso’s side went undefeated on their way to the Bundesliga title with 28 wins and six draws, while also picking up a German Cup and finishing runners-up in the Europa League.
One of the key challenges facing Alonso as he takes over at Real Madrid will be how to integrate new signings into the team. The Spanish side are set to be bolstered by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe in the summer transfer window, and fans will be eager to see how Alonso chooses to deploy the French star. According to talkSPORT, Alonso will also have to decide how to get the best out of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join the club from Liverpool. Will Alonso opt to play the England international as a traditional right-back, or will he adapt his 3-4-3 formation to accommodate the player’s skills?
Alonso’s appointment is also set to have a significant impact on the future of current Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach is understood to be leaving Madrid for the second time, with talkSPORT suggesting that he is set to take the Brazil job. Ancelotti has had a successful spell at Madrid, delivering two LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns during his second stint as manager. However, with his contract set to expire, it seems that the club have decided to look to the future with Alonso.
As talkSPORT reports, Alonso has a strong connection to Real Madrid, having played for the club from 2009 to 2014. During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Alonso won the LaLiga, a Champions League, and two Spanish Cups. The 43-year-old has also worked with Ancelotti before, having played under the Italian coach at both Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Despite Alonso’s impressive managerial credentials, there are still questions to be answered about his ability to succeed at the highest level. Leverkusen’s title defence was not successful, with Bayern Munich recently winning the league with multiple games to spare. However, with a talented squad at his disposal, Alonso will be confident that he can make a positive impact at Madrid.
As the news of Alonso’s appointment continues to send shockwaves through the football world, fans will be eagerly anticipating his first game in charge. According to talkSPORT, Alonso’s departure from Leverkusen could be announced during the club’s final home match of the season against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ancelotti is set to receive a grand farewell from Madrid, with the club planning a special ceremony for their final home game of the season against Real Sociedad on May 25.
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