Could Alonso's Success at Real Madrid Be Attributed to Ancelotti's Influence?
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Synopsis
Xabi Alonso's recent appointment as Real Madrid's head coach has reignited discussions about Carlo Ancelotti's profound impact on his career. In his first press conference, Alonso emphasized how pivotal Ancelotti's mentorship has been to his journey. Discover the legacy that continues to shape the future of Madrid.
Key Takeaways
- Xabi Alonso signs a three-year contract with Real Madrid.
- Alonso attributes his success to Carlo Ancelotti's mentorship.
- He concludes a successful tenure at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
- Alonso aims to honor Ancelotti's legacy while leading Madrid.
- Madrid’s future looks promising with Alonso at the helm.
Madrid, May 26 (NationPress) Xabi Alonso officially signed a three-year contract with Real Madrid on Monday, expressing his gratitude to former head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso acknowledged that he would not have reached this point without the Italian's significant influence on his career.
Ancelotti received a fitting farewell on Saturday after Madrid's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the final match of the domestic season.
Having played 243 matches for the club, Alonso was under Ancelotti's stewardship and was part of the squad that secured the 2014 UEFA Champions League.
"I don't want to dwell too much on the chapter that has come to a close, but I honorably take over the baton from Carlo Ancelotti. He was not just my coach but also a remarkable individual who profoundly influenced me. Without his guidance and the invaluable lessons I learned from him, I wouldn't be here today. I am proud to carry forward his legacy," Alonso stated during his inaugural press conference with Los Blancos.
Alonso also confirmed his exit from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, concluding a momentous tenure at the club. Under his management, Leverkusen achieved historic milestones, including their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season without a single defeat—a record-setting achievement in German football.
The team also won the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup, completing an extraordinary domestic treble. Their unbeaten streak reached 51 matches across all competitions, establishing a new European record before their loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Alonso began his coaching journey at Real Madrid's youth academy, managing the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, where he won both the League and the Champions Tournament. Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, noted that he anticipated Alonso's return to the club since his initial time on the bench.
"We all knew your destiny from the moment you first took a seat on the bench in 2018, with the Infantil A team," Perez remarked.
Point of View
It's evident that Xabi Alonso's return to Real Madrid signifies not just a new chapter for the club but also a reverence for the legacy left by Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso's admiration for Ancelotti highlights the importance of mentorship in sports. This transition is a testament to the enduring influence of great coaches on their players.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Xabi Alonso's role at Bayer Leverkusen?
Xabi Alonso served as the head coach at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he led the team to significant achievements, including their first Bundesliga title without a defeat.
Why did Xabi Alonso thank Carlo Ancelotti?
Alonso credited Carlo Ancelotti for his development as a player and coach, stating that he would not be in his current position without Ancelotti's guidance.
What are Alonso's goals at Real Madrid?
Alonso aims to honor the legacy of Ancelotti while bringing his own vision to the team, focusing on building a competitive squad and continuing Madrid's tradition of success.
