On Saturday, we play what will mark the farewell of Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modrić, and Lucas Vázquez (along with Vallejo and likely others), but on Monday, May 26th, the “new era” begins, and there’s no time to lose — the Club World Cup is just around the corner. That’s why Real Madrid will present Xabi Alonso on Monday so he can begin shaping his new Real Madrid.
The presentation will take place Monday morning at the Valdebebas Sports City pavilion. He will sign a three-year contract. It’s likely that in recent days he’s already been outlining plans for his new Madrid side.
His first major challenge will be the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14th (Real Madrid’s first match is on June 18th against Al-Hilal). Interestingly, this has now become the most important title of the season — and it will grow in prestige, as it’s only played every four years and qualification is tough. (In fact, Barcelona won’t be playing in it.)
Xabi Alonso knows the club very well — not only as a former player, but also from his time as a coach in the youth system before moving to manage Real Sociedad B.
With Four Assistants
As previously reported by MARCA, Xabi Alonso will arrive on the Real Madrid bench accompanied by up to four assistants. Sebas Parrilla will remain by his side as assistant coach. Alberto Encinas will also join Alonso as part of the first-team coaching staff. Physical preparation will be led by Ismael Camenforte López. He began at Barça B, then moved to NYCFC and Denmark before joining Leverkusen in 2021. Antonio Pintus, currently the first-team fitness coach, will also remain on staff at the club’s request. Beñat Labaien will join as assistant coach; he previously worked at Zaragoza with Miguel Ángel Ramírez.