Xabi Alonso is clear that his arrival at Real Madrid will not be quiet. The coach who has revolutionized Europe with Bayer Leverkusen will take over from Ancelotti already at the Club World Cup. Before landing, he has already put his first condition on Florentino Pérez's table: he wants Luka Modric to stay for one more year.
The coach from Tolosa doesn't see it as a sentimental whim, but as a key piece in his project. Modric, who will turn 39 in September, has proven this season that he is still at an exceptional competitive level. His tactical intelligence, leadership ability, and composure in decisive moments are assets that Xabi Alonso is not willing to lose.
Xabi Alonso and Modric were teammates at Real Madrid in the past decade, and the coach from Tolosa feels a true admiration for the Croatian.
Modric, the compass of the new Madrid
Xabi Alonso doesn't intend for Modric to play 60 matches per season. His idea is clear: to use him in the big matches, in scenarios where someone is needed to bring order, calm, and intelligence. For Alonso, Modric must be his extension on the field, as he himself was in his day for Mourinho or Del Bosque.
The new Madrid coach believes that, after Kroos's departures, the team has lost experience and voice within the locker room. Modric represents Madrid's values, knows every corner of the club, and still has soccer to offer.
Xabi Alonso wants Modric to be his extension on the field, to set the pace of the matches, and to act as a link between the locker room and the coach. In fact, his idea is to integrate him into his coaching staff after his last active year.
Florentino takes note
The club views the request favorably. Although the renewal was not on the initial roadmap, Xabi Alonso's influence will be decisive. Modric has accepted his secondary role this season and has shown that, even with few minutes, he remains a differential player.
Madrid fans are also clear about it. Modric is a living history of the club, and seeing him retire in white would be an act of justice. Xabi knows it, and he wants to start his era surrounded by references that can support the project while the young players finish developing.
Modric will be the cornerstone upon which Xabi Alonso will build his winning project for Real Madrid.