Real Madrid has begun its transformation after a disappointing season. The defeat against Barcelona was the final trigger to close Carlo Ancelotti's era.
The Italian coach, who left a mark with titles and moments of good soccer, couldn't keep consistency in the final stretch of the season. The elimination in LaLiga and the accumulated wear accelerated his departure, just before taking charge of the Brazilian national team.
The white board didn't want to waste time. They have opted for a deep change, not only on the bench but also in the play style.
A stage closes and another opens with excitement and many expectations. The name chosen to lead this new phase is Xabi Alonso, an old acquaintance of the club with a modern and ambitious vision.
Xabi Alonso, the chosen one
It will be on June 1 when Xabi Alonso officially takes over as the new coach of Real Madrid. His appointment hasn't been the result of improvisation.
His work with Bayer Leverkusen has been impeccable: Bundesliga champion, undefeated in the league, and showing balanced, effective soccer with its own identity. In Valdebebas, they were clear for months: he was the right man.
Josep Pedrerol confirmed it on El Chiringuito. The Basque coach has arrived with clear ideas and without fear of setting conditions. He has requested three priority reinforcements for the defense.
Alonso knows that without a solid defense, it's impossible to aspire to the biggest titles. His message was direct and forceful: he wants to start his project with guarantees, and for that, he needs new pieces.
The three requested signings
The absolute priority of the new coach is to rebuild the defense. The season exposed many shortcomings in that area.
Between injuries, lack of depth, and poor performance, the team ended up very exposed at key moments. That's why Xabi Alonso has asked the club for three additions: a right-back, a center-back, and a left-back.
The most prominent name is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English international's contract with Liverpool ends in June, and he has already given the green light to wear white.
Real Madrid is trying to finalize his arrival before the summer so he can be at the Club World Cup. Negotiations are underway, and financial compensation is expected for the English club.
Additionally, on the list of potential signings are Dean Huijsen, a center-back with great potential who plays for Bournemouth, and Álvaro Carreras, a Spanish left-back who plays for Benfica. Both fit the profile Alonso is looking for: youth, physicality, and ambition.
Club World Cup, the first big event
The first challenge of this new stage will be the Club World Cup, which will be played this summer in the United States under a new format.
Beyond the prestige, the tournament represents a great economic opportunity, with revenues of up to 150M euros. Therefore, the board wants to have all signings finalized before the start.