Xabi Alonso was officially unveiled as Real Madrid’s new head coach on Monday, promising energy, ambition, and success as he begins a three-year tenure.
The 43-year-old replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who has departed to take charge of Brazil, and will lead Madrid into the Club World Cup next month in Miami.
Alonso returns to the club where he spent five seasons as a player, winning six trophies, including the historic La Décima in 2014.
He now inherits a squad coming off a trophyless campaign, having been beaten by Barcelona in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Super Cup, and eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League.
“We have fantastic players and a lot of potential,” Alonso said. “It feels like a rebirth. I come with energy and hope to build a great team.”
Alonso arrives after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in Germany.
Club president Florentino Pérez called it “the beginning of a new era” and welcomed “one of our own” back home.
Madrid’s Club World Cup opener is against Al-Hilal on 18 June.
