‎Xabi Alonso appointed Real Madrid manager: Everything you need to know

By: Shawn
‎Xabi Alonso, one of football’s most respected minds, has officially been named the new manager of Real Madrid. The deal is signed and sealed: a three-year contract until 2028. Alonso is expected to take charge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, ushering in a new era following the impending farewell of Carlo Ancelotti.
‎
‎'Xabi Alonso.'
‎Getty Images 
‎
‎This marks a full-circle moment for the former midfield maestro, whose deep ties to Real Madrid as a player have now evolved into a leadership role on the touchline.
‎
‎A Playing Career Rooted in Excellence
‎
‎Born in Tolosa, Spain, in 1981, Xabi Alonso rose from Real Sociedad to the pinnacle of European football. His move to Liverpool in 2004 saw him become a key architect of the club’s miraculous 2005 Champions League victory. Later, at Real Madrid, he became a strategic linchpin, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. He concluded his playing days with Bayern Munich, capturing multiple Bundesliga titles under Pep Guardiola.
‎
‎Spain’s Midfield General
‎
‎Alonso’s national career was equally glittering, amassing 114 caps and playing a vital role in Spain’s golden generation. He was instrumental in their back-to-back triumphs at Euro 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 World Cup victory, solidifying his status as one of the game's most intelligent operators.
‎
‎Managerial Rise and Leverkusen Legacy
‎
‎Transitioning into coaching, Alonso began with Real Madrid’s youth squads, then led Real Sociedad B to the Segunda División. In 2022, he took over at Bayer Leverkusen, transforming the club into Bundesliga champions with an unbeaten 2023–24 season and reaching the Europa League final.
‎
‎His emphasis on tactical clarity, youth development, and dynamic play made him one of Europe’s most coveted young managers.
‎
‎The Xabi Era Begins at Real Madrid
‎
‎Now, with his coaching staff finalized and contract signed, Alonso prepares to lead Real Madrid into a new chapter. The club plans for him to debut as manager at the FIFA Club World Cup. His arrival signals not just a change in leadership, but a generational shift—bringing tactical innovation rooted in his rich playing legacy.
‎
‎Carlo Ancelotti's emotional farewell will soon make way for the Xabi era. Real Madrid’s faithful can now look forward to a future guided by one of their own, whose vision for modern football is as clear as his passes once were.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING!

‎Peter Schmeichel Criticizes Man Utd's Senne Lammens Signing, Says Club Should Have Landed Emi Martinez or Gianluigi Donnarumma

Image
‎Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has voiced concerns over the club’s decision to sign Senne Lammens, suggesting the Red Devils missed out on proven goalkeepers Emi Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma. ‎ ‎The Danish icon revealed he had never heard of Lammens before the deal and questioned whether the 23-year-old Belgian is ready to handle the pressure of becoming United’s No.1. Speaking to SunSport through Sky Bet, Schmeichel emphasized that Martinez and Donnarumma represented the type of world-class pedigree Manchester United should be targeting. ‎ Peter Schmeichel says Man Utd should have signed Emi Martinez or Gianluigi Donnarumma instead of Senne Lammens, questioning the Belgian’s readiness. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎Lammens joined United from Royal Antwerp on deadline day of the summer transfer window for an initial fee of €21m (£18m/$25m). The signing followed Andre Onana’s loan move to Trabzonspor, leaving Ruben Amorim with Lammens and Altay Bayindir as his main...
Read more

‎Manchester United Back Ruben Amorim Despite Worst Premier League Start in 33 Years

Image
‎Manchester United’s position on manager Ruben Amorim has been clarified amid the club’s worst Premier League start in more than three decades. The Portuguese coach has faced mounting scrutiny for persisting with his back-five system, particularly after the 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City. ‎ Manchester United back Ruben Amorim despite heavy criticism and worst Premier League start in 33 years as he defends back-five tactics. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Manchester United Suffer Derby Defeat ‎ ‎The Red Devils endured another difficult afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, recording their third defeat in five games across all competitions. Phil Foden opened the scoring in the first half, converting a header from Jeremy Doku’s cross. After the interval, Erling Haaland netted twice to secure a convincing victory for Pep Guardiola’s side. ‎ ‎Club Stance on Ruben Amorim’s Future ‎ ‎Reports from the Manchester Evening News indicate that Amorim’s position is not currently under serio...
Read more

‎Manchester United Player Ratings vs Chelsea: Fernandes Leads, Casemiro Falters in 2-1 Old Trafford Victory

Image
‎Manchester United secured a vital 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro on the scoresheet before the Brazilian’s dismissal gave the visitors late momentum. Ruben Amorim’s side, under pressure after their derby defeat at Manchester City, held firm to claim their first win over a top rival during his tenure. ‎ ‎Bruno Fernandes inspires Man Utd to a 2-1 win over Chelsea as Casemiro scores then sees red. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The match turned early when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the fifth minute for a rash challenge on Bryan Mbeumo outside the penalty area. United quickly capitalized, Fernandes heading in Patrick Dorgu’s delivery for his 100th goal for the club. ‎ ‎Chelsea suffered another setback when Cole Palmer was forced off midway through the first half with a suspected groin injury. Amorim’s men extended their lead before the interval, Casemiro rising to head home after sustained pressure, assisted by Ha...
Read more

Barcelona Ready to Send Marcus Rashford Back to Man Utd After Just Weeks

Image
‎Barcelona are reportedly considering ending Marcus Rashford’s loan spell just weeks after his arrival from Manchester United. The forward joined the La Liga champions in July on a season-long deal, with his registration confirmed the following month. ‎ ‎Barcelona may end Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United early as concerns grow over his form, despite England boss Tuchel’s backing. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The England international had been sidelined at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim, alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia. Barcelona provided an escape route, but concerns over Rashford’s performances have led the club’s hierarchy to reassess the arrangement, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional. ‎ ‎Rashford featured in Barcelona’s opening three matches of the 2025-26 campaign but struggled to make an impact. He was substituted at half-time in the 3-2 victory over Levante on August 23, with his side trailing 2-0 at th...
Read more

‎Real Betis Sign Antony from Manchester United in €25m Transfer Deal with 50% Sell-On Clause

Image
‎Real Betis and Manchester United have finalized a €25 million transfer agreement for Brazilian winger Antony. The deal includes a significant 50 percent sell-on clause, ensuring United will benefit from any future profit made by the La Liga club. ‎ Real Betis seal €25m deal with Manchester United for Antony, including a 50% sell-on clause, after the Brazilian’s standout loan spell in Spain. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Athletic reported that both clubs reached a fee in principle for Antony’s permanent move back to Betis, where he spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan. Negotiations intensified over recent weeks due to disagreements about the salary reduction Antony would face upon leaving Old Trafford, but United have now confirmed they will not make any further payments to the player. ‎ ‎Antony’s revival at Real Betis was a key factor in the transfer. During his loan spell, the winger recorded nine goals and five assists in 26 matches, playing a vital ro...
Read more

Man Utd Leaders' Secret Meeting That Forced Garnacho's Exit to Chelsea

Image
‎Manchester United’s senior players reportedly staged a behind-the-scenes intervention to address Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude before the winger’s exile from the first team and eventual transfer to Chelsea. ‎ ‎Reports indicate that Garnacho’s self-focused behaviour, both on and off the pitch, frustrated manager Ruben Amorim and the squad, ultimately leading to his departure from Old Trafford. Tensions began to escalate only months before his move to Stamford Bridge. ‎ ‎Man Utd leaders staged an intervention over Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude before his exile and Chelsea transfer, leaving tensions at Old Trafford. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to The Sun, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Harry Maguire were among the club’s leadership group who confronted Garnacho. The players urged him to adopt a more team-first mindset, but the winger refused to change. His clashes with Amorim, temper tantrums, and outspoken social media activity only added to the growing unrest. ‎ ‎...
Read more

‎Man Utd Player Ratings vs Man City: Shaw Struggles, Sesko Fades in 3-0 Derby Defeat

Image
‎Manchester United endured a humiliating afternoon as Manchester City sealed a dominant 3-0 derby win at the Etihad Stadium. The result leaves United with just four points from their opening four Premier League matches, adding more pressure ahead of their upcoming clash with Chelsea. ‎ ‎Manchester United player ratings vs Man City: Luke Shaw falters, Benjamin Sesko struggles, and Red Devils suffer heavy 3-0 derby defeat. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎Goalkeeper and Defence ‎ ‎Altay Bayindir (4/10): Handed the start ahead of new signing Senne Lammens, Bayindir looked nervous throughout. He spilled a Tijjani Reijnders shot and misjudged a backpass, offering little resistance on any of City’s goals. ‎ ‎Leny Yoro (5/10): Made several clearances but lost track of Jeremy Doku in the build-up to the second goal, exposing United’s fragile back line. ‎ ‎Matthijs de Ligt (6/10): The most composed of United’s defenders. Worked tirelessly to cover for his teammates but was often left stran...
Read more

‎Liverpool vs Everton Merseyside Derby at Anfield Faces Weather Concerns Amid Storm Alerts

Image
‎Liverpool and Everton could see another Merseyside derby disrupted, as stormy weather conditions in the United Kingdom threaten this weekend’s fixture at Anfield. The Reds and Toffees are set to meet on Saturday, but the latest forecasts have raised concerns over whether the clash will go ahead as scheduled. ‎ Liverpool vs Everton Merseyside derby at Anfield faces storm alerts as UK weather warnings raise doubts over Saturday’s Premier League clash. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎The two rivals already experienced disruption in the 2024-25 season when their December 7 meeting at Goodison Park was postponed. Storm Darragh forced the game to be rescheduled, with the rearranged tie eventually played on February 12, 2025. ‎ ‎That derby turned out to be Everton’s final one at Goodison Park before their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. This weekend’s encounter brings them back across Stanley Park for a highly anticipated match at Anfield on September 20. ‎ ‎The Met Office has...
Read more

Man Utd coach Ruben Amorim reacts to Bruno Fernandes and Andre Onana incidents

Image
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's head coach, did not argue Andre Onana was fouled for Wolves playmaker Matheus Cunha's goal. United surrendered straight off a corner for the second week in a row as Cunha's inswinger looped over Onana, who claimed he was fouled while attempting to punch the ball. Amorim blanked Fernandes after he was sent off. Getty Images Sport Onana was caught between Wolves defenders Matt Doherty and Santiago Bueno as Cunha took his corner. Despite little contact from both opponents, the Video Assistant Referee upheld referee Tony Harrington's on-field judgment to award the goal. Altay Bayindir, United's backup goalkeeper, was overcome in similar circumstances by Tottenham winger Son Heung-min in last week's League Cup quarter-final defeat, and Amorim referred to that goal. "The same way that I saw Tottenham," he said when asked about Cunha's goal. "When you touch someone when they are jumping - the tiniest con...
Read more

‎Roy Keane Clashes with Ian Wright Over Arsenal's Liverpool Defeat Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash

Image
‎Roy Keane launched a furious exchange with Ian Wright after the Arsenal legend refused to criticise his former club’s performance in their recent 1-0 Premier League defeat to Liverpool. The Gunners saw their unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign end at Anfield, where Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning late free-kick sealed the points for Arne Slot’s side. ‎ Roy Keane raged at Ian Wright for defending Arsenal after their 1-0 loss to Liverpool as the Gunners prepare to face Nottingham Forest. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Arsenal’s cautious approach questioned ‎ ‎The defeat drew criticism from several pundits, who argued that Arsenal adopted an overly cautious game plan. Mikel Arteta’s side managed just one shot on target across the 90 minutes, raising questions about their attacking intent in a game that produced few moments of quality. ‎ ‎Wright defends Arsenal against criticism ‎ ‎Appearing on The Overlap, Wright offered a positive assessment of Arsenal’s display despite their ...
Read more