Xabi Alonso declared the start of a new era during his official unveiling as the new manager of Real Madrid.
Alonso, 43, was appointed manager of his former club on a three-year deal on Sunday, replacing Carlo Ancelotti – who will take charge of the Brazil men’s national team.
Madrid endured a disappointing campaign – surrendering their La Liga title to Barcelona, losing to their arch-rivals in the finals of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa, and crashing out of the Champions League to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
But during a speech at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday, Alonso said: “It’s the start of an era.”
He added: “The Real Madrid fans are excited to begin this new era, to grow, and to make the history of this club even greater.
“It’s a special day. It’s a day I will have marked in my calendar for life. I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home.”
Alonso, who won a league and cup double with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24, explained his decision to return to Madrid 11 years after he left the club as a player.
Alonso paid tribute to Ancelotti – who won three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and two La Liga titles across two spells with Los Blancos – and also managed Alonso at both Real and Bayern Munich.
“Carlo was my coach, a great person and a huge influence. Without his mastery, I probably wouldn’t be here,” he said.
“I take over and carry on his legacy with great honour and pride.”
Alonso will begin his tenure on 1 June, before the Fifa Club World Cup next month.
