Former Leverkusen Boss To Begin Real Madrid Era at FIFA Club World Cup, Succeeding Carlo Ancelotti Immediately.
Reports of Xabi Alonso closing in on becoming the next head coach of Real Madrid has been going around some time now. But now the Spaniard has not only waved goodbye to his current club Bayer Leverkusen, but renowned journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has all but confirmed the iconic move to Los Blancos.
As per Romano, a three-year contract is already in place. As per this contract, he will be starting his reign this summer at the start of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The 43-year-old will replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Ancelotti will depart to manage the Brazil national team, but that news hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Romano further revealed that Alonso’s deal with his former club will run until 2028 and it also includes the finalisation of his coaching staff. The club has reportedly informed Alonso that his tenure will begin at the Club World Cup. As per the Spanish media outlet, this has been a ‘non-negotiable’ deal.
It certainly underlines how much the club is intent on beginning as quickly as possible. Especially after a horrible season even after having an incredible squad. Current boss Ancelotti already spoke about the Club World Cup during their press conference ahead of La Liga clash against Barcelona.
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However, it seems he won’t be leading the men in white in the tournament that should define the beginning of Madrid’s new era. President Florentino Perez views the expanded Club World Cup as a key objective, both for sporting prestige and the potential €150 million financial reward.
However, for any coach to begin with such a big tournament with so little time with his new team, will be asking a lot from him. There were speculations that former interim boss Santiago Solari would take on a caretaker role during the transition. However, recent developments have confirmed that Alonso will be in charge from day one.
The challenge facing Alonso is steep. He will inherit a squad battling injuries and fatigue. He will also get very little time to implement his tactical ideas due to many players being committed to international duty. There have also been rumours that Alonso aims to introduce a five-man defence. However, it remains unclear whether this system will debut in the summer or later.
In the midst of it all, it is needless to say that there are high expectations from Alonso who returns to the club where he made 236 appearances as a player. His farewell to Leverkusen was emotional, calling his time there ‘unbelievable’ and ‘the right moment’ to say goodbye. Now, all eyes will be on the Club World Cup to mark a new beginning on a positive note after a disaster season.
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