The lost son comes home. It felt a little bit when Xabi Alonso was officially introduced to the Spanish top team Real Madrid. Real President Pérez is full of praise. And Alonso has a lot to do.
With moving words, Xabi Alonso opened his time as a coach at Real Madrid. “It is certainly a very special day that I will paint on the calendar throughout my life. I feel at home here and I am happy to be here. The connection to Madrid has always been there and this feeling has been rekindled”said Alonso at his idea in the Spanish capital.
The ex-coach of Bayer Leverkusen takes over the position with the “royal” officially on June 1st and thus before the club world championship in the USA, in which Real Madrid will also compete. The tournament with 32 clubs takes place from June 14th to July 13th (local time) in the USA. Alonso signed a contract for three years. “It is the beginning of a new stage”said Alonso about his new phase of life.
Club boss Pérez Adelt Alonso as legend of Spanish football
The press conference had started with an emotional, multi -minute video that looked back on Alonso’s career as a player in Madrid, Liverpool and Bavaria and as a coach at Bayer Leverkusen. Visibly moved and on the side of his wife Nagore Aranburu, Alonso pursued the compilation.
Club boss Florentino Pérez praised his compatriot as one of the “biggest legends” of Spanish football. “You won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. You are one of the best coaches in the world. You are returning to face one of the greatest challenges of your life. Now you’re back home”said Pérez.
Alonso thanks predecessor Ancelotti
For Alonso it is a return to an old place of work. From 2009 to 2014, the BASKE played for Real before moving to FC Bayern Munich. The 43-year-old master, cup winner and Champions League winner became the Spaniards. “In 2009 you came with all your enthusiasm and won six titles that were the beginning of this golden era”praised Pérez Alonso.
Alonso follows Carlo Ancelotti, who had trained Alonso in Madrid more than ten years ago. “I will not forget Carlo. He was a coach who shaped me a great person. I succeed with honor and pride and hope that I can meet the expectations”said Alonso.