Real Madrid have announced former Bayer Leverkusen boss and Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso as their new manager, MySportDab reports.
Alonso joins Los Blancos on a three-year contract, replacing Carlo Ancelotti and is expected to take charge of the team’s FIFA Club World Cup.
This announcement comes just a few hours after the club confirm the departure of Carlo Ancelotti before their 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga final matchday.
Real Madrid have had a grueling campaign this season, ending the season without a major trophy.
Alonso will be expected to bring back the medals for the Merengues with his first test being the maiden edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
Notably, Alonso’s emergence as Real Madrid manager marks a major leap in his managerial career.
The Spaniard, who had also served the club as player, emerged into the spotlights following his record-breaking 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign with Bayer Leverkusen.
He led the Die Werkself to their first-ever German Championship triumph, clinching the German top flight title without losing any match.
Compared to his last season’s heroics, Xabi Alonso is far off the benchmarks with Bayer Leverkusen this season.
However, he has led the team to finish second on the Bundesliga table and have boast an impressive unbeaten record in all their 17 matches away from home.
While this marks a major leap on his career, Alonso faces a tough task of returning the club to the apex of Spanish and European football after this season’s relapse.
With the club considered favorites to win 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he will be expected to live up to the billing with a stellar campaign in the tournament.
