Xabi Alonso will officially start his new coaching job on June 1. The former midfielder will lead Real Madrid for the first time in an official match on June 18.
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Xabi Alonso’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid is now official, with the former midfield maestro set to take over the reins at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier than expected.
While coaching contracts traditionally begin on July 1, Alonso’s three-year deal will kick off in early June to accommodate Real Madrid’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament begins on June 15 in the United States, and the Spanish giants will play their opening match just three days later, on June 18, in Miami.
Their first opponent will be Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League side that boasts international stars such as Ruben Neves and João Cancelo. The fixture marks not only the start of Real Madrid’s campaign in the revamped Club World Cup format but also Alonso’s first official match as manager of the club where he spent some of the best years of his playing career. The early start to his tenure allows the Basque tactician additional time to implement his ideas and build rapport with the squad before the more intense fixtures of the domestic and European seasons begin.
Alonso's appointment marks the end of an era, as he steps in to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who led the club through one of its most successful periods in recent years. After winning multiple Champions League titles and domestic honors, Ancelotti’s departure leaves big shoes to fill but Alonso’s meteoric rise in the managerial world suggests that he is more than capable. His transformative impact at Bayer Leverkusen during the 2023/24 season where he led the German club to their first-ever Bundesliga title with an unbeaten run has not gone unnoticed. His blend of tactical clarity, intelligent squad rotation, and ability to inspire young talent has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after managers.
The Spanish media and fanbase are eagerly awaiting Alonso’s first public appearance in his new role. That moment will arrive on Monday at 12:30 p.m. local time, when he will be officially presented to the press and supporters. The event will take place at the club’s state-of-the-art Valdebebas training facility and is expected to draw significant attention from international outlets as well. During the ceremony, club president Florentino Pérez will speak, shedding light on the club’s decision to bring Alonso back this time not as a player, but as the figurehead of their next sporting project. It’s a symbolic reunion: a club legend returning to guide the team into a new era.
Behind the scenes, preparations for the 2024/25 season are already in motion. Real Madrid is wasting no time in giving Alonso the tools he needs to succeed. The club has already confirmed its first new signing of the summer: Dean Huijsen, a talented young center-back who arrives from AFC Bournemouth. Huijsen, who had a breakout season in the Premier League, is seen as one of Europe’s most promising defenders and fits Alonso’s emphasis on building from the back.
Another high-profile arrival is all but confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold, the English full-back who will leave Liverpool on a free transfer after a decade at Anfield. Known for his extraordinary passing range, crossing accuracy, and set-piece prowess, Alexander-Arnold is expected to play a key role in Alonso’s system, potentially operating in a more hybrid role between defense and midfield.
Spanish reports also indicate that Álvaro Carreras could become the third signing of the Alonso era. The 22-year-old left-back, who previously spent time in Real Madrid’s academy before moving abroad, is currently under contract with Portuguese giants Benfica. Real Madrid has been monitoring his development closely and is expected to move for him this summer. Carreras would provide depth and competition on the left flank, an area the club is keen to strengthen.
Alonso is said to have a significant say in the club’s transfer strategy moving forward, signaling a shift toward a more modern, manager-driven approach. His familiarity with the club’s values, combined with his recent coaching success and deep understanding of the modern game, has instilled optimism in Madridistas that a new golden era may be on the horizon.
As Real Madrid gears up for the Club World Cup and a fresh chapter under Alonso’s leadership, expectations are already sky-high. The coming weeks will be pivotal, both in shaping the squad and setting the tone for the new regime. Whether Alonso can replicate his Leverkusen magic at the highest level remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Miami come June 18.
