Xabi Alonso has been unveiled as the new head coach of Real Madrid, ahead of the Club World Cup.
Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti, who heads to Brazil, returning to the club he spent six seasons as a player.
The 43-year-old arrives Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen, who he guided to a domestic double, the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
The Spaniard, who will begin his tenure on June 1, relished his return to the Spanish capital as one he would remember forever.
“Without a doubt, this is a very special day for me. A day that I will have marked in my calendar for life.
“I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home. The bond with Madrid has never ceased to exist. Since I entered Valdebebas an hour and a half ago, that feeling has been reborn.
“I have the feeling that this is the beginning of a new era. We have a great team, we have fantastic players and a very good potential.
“That gives me a reason to come here with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We have the conviction that we can achieve important things, worthy of Real Madrid and these European Cups.”
Meanwhile, Alonso is expected to resume ahead of the Club World Cup, after signing a three-year contract until June 2028.
In his address at the presentation, the ex-Liverpool and Los Blancos midfielder paid tribute to his predecessor and former coach.
“Before I start talking about the new era, I don’t want to forget to talk about the era that has just ended,” Alonso said.
“Carlo was my coach, a great person and a huge influence. Without his mastery, I probably wouldn’t be here.
“I take over and carry on his legacy with great honour and pride. I hope to live up to expectations and be able to take the club to all the places we all believe we can.”
However, following his top form at Leverkusen, Alonso is expected to stage a turnaround with Madrid, who endured a rare trophyless season, finishing behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
Los Blancos were also beaten in the Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey final by Barca, and were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals by Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Madrid will be hoping to return to winning ways, following Alonso’s arrival, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.
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