Xabi Alonso's First Words as Real Madrid Coach: Did He Play a Role in Modric's Departure?

Real Madrid has officially introduced Xabi Alonso as its new head coach, a move that has generated immense excitement among Madridistas. The former player and now Basque strategist made no secret of his enthusiasm for this new chapter, embracing the great responsibility with palpable energy. "It's a beautiful challenge, very demanding, but I'm really looking forward to it," Alonso stated, marking the beginning of a project that promises to reignite the spark and ambition within the team.

During his presentation, Alonso emphasized the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement. "Work, work, and work. What I'm looking forward to is the process of improvement," he declared, acknowledging the extremely high expectations that always surround Real Madrid. His primary goal is clear: "We can do things that ignite people," promising a playing style that connects with the fans' passion.

The coach explained his decision to take on the role at this particular time, highlighting the opportunity to quickly familiarize himself with the squad and compete for an important title. "People wanted me, and I wanted to come. I felt it," he assured, referring to the synergy with the club. The inaugural Club World Cup is presented as a key initial objective for his new project, aiming for a strong start.

Regarding his playing philosophy, Xabi Alonso favors a flexible and dynamic style. "I like to be flexible, not to pigeonhole myself into a system," he explained, valuing the importance of choosing the right moments and seeking a proactive and ambitious game. "It's about choosing the moments. A proactive and ambitious game," he added.

Alonso didn't forget his roots, acknowledging the influence of his former coaches, including his own father, on his professional development. He also had words of deep admiration for Luka Modric: "He's a legend for the club. He's a spectacular player. I'm really looking forward to being able to coach him in the Club World Cup. It's a gift." The coach feels that now is the opportune moment to take the reins of the white bench. "It's the right time, I have a lot of energy," he concluded.

With a squad boasting figures like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., Xabi Alonso considers himself fortunate. "It's a luxury. My idea is to try to get the maximum performance from everyone," he expressed, aiming to create a balanced team that enhances individual qualities. He confirmed that decisions will be made collaboratively and reaffirmed Rodrygo's importance. "Rodrygo is an important player for us," he stated. Alonso intends to maintain close relationships with his players and views Jude Bellingham as a "special and fundamental" player for Real Madrid's future. "We have to enhance his qualities," Alonso finished.