In a twist that feels almost preordained, Xabi Alonso has taken the helm at Real Madrid, a club where he once dazzled as a player. His return comes after a remarkable five-year playing career at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he not only amassed 236 appearances but also secured multiple titles, including LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy in 2014. Following his transition to Bayern Munich, where he clinched three consecutive Bundesliga titles, Alonso ventured into coaching with Real Sociedad‘s B team before making waves at Bayer Leverkusen.
At Leverkusen, Alonso inherited a struggling squad and swiftly revitalized them, guiding the team from the brink of relegation to a commendable sixth-place finish and a Europa League semifinal appearance. The 2023-24 season saw Leverkusen’s resurgence culminate in a historic DFB-Pokal victory and their first Bundesliga title in over three decades. Despite nearly achieving an unbeaten treble, they fell short in the Europa League final against Atalanta. With speculation mounting about his future, many anticipated Alonso’s return to Liverpool; however, he chose to remain with Leverkusen for another season before eventually taking charge at Real Madrid.
A New Era Begins
Following Carlo Ancelotti‘s departure, Alonso stepped into the managerial role at Real Madrid post-LaLiga season. Despite limited time to implement his philosophy—taking over just weeks before the FIFA Club World Cup—he quickly made an impact. After an initial draw against Al-Hilal, Real Madrid won their next four matches but suffered a heavy defeat to PSG in the semifinals. Nevertheless, Alonso’s influence has been palpable as he integrates fresh talent into a squad that has seen the departure of key figures like Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez.
Fresh Faces and Tactical Shifts
The current squad is marked by promising new additions such as Franco Mastantuono, Álvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen, who are already making significant contributions. Following an impressive start with seven consecutive victories, a setback against Atlético Madrid (5-2) served as a wake-up call. However, they quickly rebounded with a commanding 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty and followed it up with a solid 3-1 victory against Villarreal. These results propelled Real Madrid to the top of LaLiga as they head into the October international break.
If they secure victory against Getafe this Sunday, they will enter El Clásico in prime position as league leaders. Renowned sports broadcaster James Richardson praised Alonso’s immediate impact: “They are Real Madrid; they regularly do the impossible.” Yet challenges loom ahead with injuries impacting defensive options and tactical adjustments needed to accommodate star players like Kylian Mbappé alongside Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo.
The upcoming fixtures present a formidable challenge for Alonso’s side as they prepare to host Juventus, Barcelona, and Valencia while also facing Liverpool away. As they gear up for this crucial stretch of matches, all eyes will be on how Alonso navigates this demanding phase of his debut season.
Will Xabi Alonso lead Real Madrid into El Clásico atop LaLiga? With his tactical acumen and ability to inspire players already on display, fans are eager to see if this new era can reclaim glory for one of football’s most storied clubs.
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