Xabi Alonso unveiled as new Real Madrid coach
“It's the dawn of a new era, full of excitement and intense emotions. The coach coming in is already one of the best in the world and the embodiment of the Real Madrid values,” stated Florentino Pérez.
Xabi Alonso has been unveiled as the new Real Madrid coach in an event at Real Madrid City. The ceremony began with an emotional video looking back at the coach's career so far, before president Florentino Pérez said a few words: "The strength of this club is continuing to work to ensure the dreams of all madridismo come true. Today is a very special day for all those who feel passionate about Real Madrid. It's the dawn of a new era, full of excitement and intense emotions. The coach coming in is already one of the best in the world and the embodiment of the Real Madrid values because he is fully aware of all this crest and this shirt represents. He was here as a player when this new golden age in our history got underway, when we lifted the unforgettable tenth European Cup in Lisbon. Today, we're welcoming back one of our own, Xabi Alonso.”
“We're proud to have you here to continue building on our club's incredible history. I'm sure today will be an emotional day, because those who know you understand what Real Madrid means to you. Now, you're back home at the place where you took your initial steps into coaching. We all quickly saw your destiny, from the moment you sat in the dugout in 2018, in charge of our Under-12s. That team were crowned champions of the League and the Torneo de Campeones. But the most important thing was how it set you forth on a path you would tread in your own style and with your own philosophy."
Impressive coaching career to date
“You continued at your beloved Real Sociedad, taking charge of their youth team and achieving promotion to the Segunda División. Then, you made history in German football: in three seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, you succeeded in doing something that much-admired club had never managed before - winning the Bundesliga. Furthermore, you took Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever German Super Cup, and their second German Cup."
“This road, alongside your brilliant professional career, makes you one of the great figures in world football and one of the best coaches in the world right now. Today, you come back to Real Madrid as first-team coach to tackle one of the greatest challenges in your life so far. You will be backed by fans who love and admire you. You are well aware of the demands of this club, with its relentless hunger for titles a never-say-die attitude. We're convinced we'll share in many more joys together."
Xabi Alonso: “I'm thrilled to be back home”
The Real Madrid coach, who signs with the club for the next three seasons, followed the president at the microphone: “This is a very special day for me and one I will remember for the rest of my life. I'm thrilled to be back here, at my home. I've been away for a few years, but the ties with madridismo have never faded. About 90 minutes ago, I stepped back inside Valdebebas and the feelings flooded back again. It's the start of a new chapter and I'd like to thank the president for the trust he's shown in me, and for beliving I'm the right guy to lead this new era for the club. I'm full of energy and excited. I can feel how madridismo is eager for a new start and to add to the already incredible history of this club."
“The cycle has come to an end under Ancelotti, who was my coach. He left a mark on me and has been a huge influence. I wouldn't be here without all I learned from him. I'm honoured to take over from him and proud to be in a place where he achieved so much. I hope I can live up to the expectations. We're starting out on a new era and I feel like we have a fantastic team. That's what fills me with the energy to come here, to try and get the best out of every single player as we build a great team. We can achieve big things worthy of Real Madrid and all they have won in the past. We want the fans to feel that emotion, and to enjoy and feel proud of their team. Hala Madrid!”