If you follow Spanish football, you know Xabi Alonso’s name pops up a lot. The former midfield star turned manager is now shaping Real Madrid’s style of play. In this article we’ll break down his coaching path, the tactics he’s using at the Bernabéu, and the biggest headlines that involve him right now.
Alonso retired as a player in 2017 after a glittering career at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He moved straight into coaching, starting with the youth squads at Real Madrid’s academy. A year later he took charge of the under‑19 side and led them to a UEFA Youth League title in 2023.
That success earned him a senior role as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. In his first season he guided Leverkusen to a surprise second‑place finish in the Bundesliga and a run to the Europa League final. The German press praised his calm demeanor and his knack for building a possession‑based game.
When Real Madrid announced his return to the club in 2024 as head coach, fans remembered his time as a player under Zidane. Now he’s the one calling the shots.
Alonso’s philosophy revolves around quick ball movement and high pressing. He wants the team to win the ball back in the opponent’s half and then create chances in a fluid way. This means midfielders need to be comfortable on the ball, and full‑backs are encouraged to join the attack.
One practical sign of his influence is the recent signing of 16‑year‑old Abdellah Ouazane. The youngster arrived from Ajax after a heated battle that saw Real Madrid out‑bid Barcelona. Alonso praised Ouazane’s vision and said the teenager fits perfectly into his plan to refresh the midfield with young talent.
On the match‑day side, Real Madrid has been more consistent defensively. In the last five La Liga games they’ve kept three clean sheets, and the team’s average possession has risen to 62 %. Fans notice that players like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos are getting more space to orchestrate attacks, a direct reflection of Alonso’s trust in experienced playmakers.
Critics argue that his style can be risky against fast counter‑attacks, but the recent 2‑0 win over Barcelona showed the system can hold up under pressure. The win also sparked talk about a potential title challenge this season, something Alonso is clearly aiming for.
Off the pitch, Alonso is known for his calm media presence. He often answers questions with short, clear answers and avoids hype. This steadiness has helped keep the dressing room focused, especially during the busy winter transfer window.
Looking ahead, the biggest question is how far his young squad can go in Europe. With the Champions League group stage looming, Alonso will have to balance his attacking instincts with a solid defensive setup. If he can keep the team’s confidence high and continue integrating talents like Ouazane, Real Madrid could be back on top of Europe soon.
Keep an eye on match reports, press conferences, and transfer news – Xabi Alonso’s next moves will shape not only Real Madrid but also the wider landscape of Spanish football.
