Xabi Alonso is now officially a Real Madrid player. On Monday, during his presentation, he made clear his intentions for a new era in which his main objective is to “fire up” the fans with attractive play that they can be proud of. With a clear and direct speech, without any notes, he dazzled the Madrid fans, who have high hopes for his arrival.
The keys to Xabi Alonso’s presentation
From Xabi Alonso’s words, both in his speech and in the subsequent press conference, several keys to what his Real Madrid will be like can be gleaned. First, the Spanish coach made it clear that he will not look at individuals but will make them perform as a team. “I have analyzed how the team has played and how the players are doing. I use this to shape my own ideas. Coaches depend on players, and these players are of the highest competitive level. The challenge is to build a team and get the most out of the players. If we achieve that, we will be a powerful force.“
The coach also made it clear that he will not have a fixed system of play, but will adapt it to the opponent and the circumstances of the match: ”Today’s football requires you to be flexible, dynamic, and know how to move pieces during matches… Of course I have an idea, but that fixed image of the system can change. I want the team to transmit energy and play ambitiously. That symbiosis is essential to get off to a good start. With four defenders or three? We’ll see. We have players who we know can interpret it well.”
He also made clear what kind of coach he is with his players. He believes in closeness. “I need closeness. In everyday life and in matches—talking, on the bench. Connection to feel what is happening and what each player needs. I’m the coach, I know what I have to do, but I like to be close to them.”
He gave some specific hints about his ideas for Vini and Mbappé, an opportunity for Rodrygo and where he wants Bellingham to play. These are glimpses of what his Real Madrid will be like, which we will soon see in action in the Club World Cup.
Leverkusen’s asking price
The arrival of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid has always been shrouded in mystery in terms of dates, form, and cost of the operation. Although many pointed to a zero cost for his signing, his early departure from Bayer Leverkusen, where he had a contract until 2027, comes at a price. According to the German sports media outlet Kicker, Real Madrid will pay between €12 million and €15 million for Xabi Alonso’s transfer, a very high figure for a coach.
Real Madrid was clear about its commitment to its former player, who left his mark on the German team, where he was given a hero’s welcome after leading them to the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup titles last season. In addition, his record with the team has been unbeatable season after season.
Xabi Alonso’s salary at Real Madrid
Another unknown factor surrounding his signing was his salary. Xabi will earn between €7 million and €9 million per season, according to the Marketing Registrado website and other media outlets, under a three-year contract until 2028. Although this is a good salary, it does not match that of his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, who received €11 million. It is a big salary for a big challenge that Xabi Alonso will have to face right away with the Club World Cup, where he is expected to come out on top.