Xabi Alonso’s Return to Real Madrid: A New Chapter Begins
Madrid, 12 January 2026 – Xabi Alonso, the former midfield maestro who won six trophies as a player at Real Madrid, has embarked on a new role as the club’s head coach. Appointed in May 2025, Alonso brought his unbeaten Bundesliga-winning philosophy from Bayer Leverkusen to Los Blancos, aiming to instil unity and tactical discipline in a squad boasting stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé.
Alonso’s Journey from Player to Coach
Alonso’s playing career at Real Madrid spanned from 2009 to 2014, where he made 236 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing to victories in the Champions League, La Liga, and two Copa del Rey titles. His precise passing and tactical intelligence earned him a legendary status. After retiring in 2017, Alonso transitioned into coaching, starting with Real Madrid’s youth teams before leading Real Sociedad B to promotion and achieving historic success at Bayer Leverkusen, including an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023-24. His appointment at Real Madrid in 2025 marked a homecoming, with the club seeking stability after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.
Key Challenges and Early Signs of Progress
Alonso faced immediate hurdles, including injuries to key players like Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal, and a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw Real Madrid struggle defensively. However, his emphasis on compact positioning and collective pressing has shown promise in pre-season and early matches. New signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have bolstered the squad, while young talents like Arda Güler and Gonzalo García have impressed under his guidance. Alonso stressed the importance of unity, stating in a recent press conference that the team must “be closer together” to dominate midfield battles.
Key Facts and Managerial Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Managerial Record at Real Madrid (as of 12 January 2026) | 35 matches: 24 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses (68.57% win rate) |
| Key Player Stats Under Alonso (2025-26 Season) | Jude Bellingham: 3 goals, 2 assists; Arda Güler: 2 goals, 1 assist; Trent Alexander-Arnold: 0 goals, 2 assists |
| Trophies as Player at Real Madrid | 1 UEFA Champions League (2013-14), 1 La Liga (2011-12), 2 Copa del Rey (2010-11, 2013-14), 1 Supercopa de España (2012) |
| Alonso’s Coaching Philosophy | Focus on spatial awareness, high pressing, and player versatility; emphasises distances between players with and without the ball |
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Alonso’s unbeaten season at Bayer Leverkusen remarkable?
Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic 2023-24 Bundesliga title without a single defeat, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance. The team also won the DFB-Pokal and reached the Europa League final, showcasing his ability to blend youth and experience into a cohesive unit.
How has Alonso adapted his tactics for Real Madrid?
At Real Madrid, Alonso has introduced a 3-4-3 formation in some matches, prioritising midfield control with players like Güler and Valverde. He has focused on defensive solidity, reducing conceded goals through better positioning, while encouraging attacking fluidity from full-backs like Alexander-Arnold.
What are the expectations for Alonso’s tenure?
Fans and experts expect Alonso to restore Real Madrid’s dominance in La Liga and the Champions League. With a squad rich in talent, his long-term project aims for consistent performances, though early results have been mixed due to injuries and adaptation challenges.