Xabi Alonso has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Real Madrid for three seasons, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. The club announced his signing after a successful managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he implemented a modern, versatile, and highly competitive style of football, emphasizing control, high pressing, and quick transitions. Alonso's preferred tactical system involves a three-central defender setup, enabling control of the game from the back and providing numerical superiority in ball distribution. His approach combines positional discipline, high pressing, and rapid counterattacks, focusing on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo. Alonso’s teams excel in quick ball movement, mobility, and attacking spaces, with a strong emphasis on structured play and immediate pressure after losing possession. His strategy includes high pressing in the final third, with an average of 16 recoveries per game in the opponent’s half, and a possession in the final third of 68.1%, ranking among the top in Europe. Alonso aims to adapt his tactics based on player quality and match context, focusing on quick ball movement, positional awareness, and exploiting spaces. His return to Madrid also marks a sentimental homecoming, as he played for the club for five seasons, winning multiple titles including the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. The club is counting on his tactical expertise, leadership, and experience to revitalize the team and compete at the highest level, especially with upcoming challenges like the Club World Cup. Alonso will begin his new role with a presentation at Valdebebas on May 26, 2025, and will work intensively to prepare for the upcoming season, despite a short pre-season due to international commitments.