Real Madrid has begun on Monday a deep transformation after a campaign that did not live up to expectations, especially in LaLiga. The defeat against Barcelona, which left the team without options to fight for the title, marked the end of the second stage of Carlo Ancelotti at the head of the white bench.
The Italian coach says goodbye to the Brazilian team, leaving a legacy of titles, good football and wear signs in the last months of management.
Xabi Alonso takes over on June 1
Far from opting for continuity in the project, the directive has opted for an ambitious renewal with Xabi Alonso as a new coach. Considered one of the most promising European football technicians, Alonso will assume position as of June 1. As Josep Pedrerol revealed in the chiringuito, his arrival symbolizes a change of course with the aim of recovering the dominance of the club both in Europe and worldwide.
Your choice has not been casual. His outstanding work at the Bayer Leverkusen, where he has demonstrated a notable tactical capacity, leadership and game vision, has convinced the club’s dome that it is the right profile to lead this new stage. The club has decided not to name an interim coach for the Club World Cup, trusting that Alonso can impose his style and philosophy from the beginning.
The Basque coach will sign a contract for three seasons, a clear sample of the entity’s confidence in its medium -term project. One of the priority objectives will be to revitalize a template that has evidenced weaknesses, especially in the defensive section.
Defense reinforcements: Absolute priority
The defensive fragility shown in the last games, especially in the classic against Barcelona, has lit the alarms. Although Ancelotti justified the performance due to the absence of five titular defenders, the sports management considers that a structural change in the rear is necessary. Alonso has requested key signings: a right side, a central and a left side.
Among the names that sound strong is that of English Trent Alexander-Arnold, who, after two decades in Liverpool, would have reached an agreement with Real Madrid. Although his contract expires on June 30, the White Club works at an early departure so that he can play the Club World Cup, offering the English club an economic compensation.
As for the other reinforcements, the names of Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth) and Álvaro Carreras (Benfica) appear among the favorites to complete the defensive line. The intention of the club is to close the incorporations before the start of the tournament in the United States, aware that the solidity will be key to compete for all titles.
The Club World Cup: the first big challenge
The Club World Cup, which will be held this summer in the United States with a renewed format, will be the scenario where the new project officially starts. For the club, not only one more title is at stake in its record: it also represents a considerable source of income, close to 150 million euros, in addition to a strategic opportunity to strengthen its brand internationally.
In addition to defensive reinforcements, the club keeps other operations in the signing market open with the aim of building a competitive team that aspires to everything in this new stage.