Xabi Alonso has been officially unveiled as new head coach of Real Madrid, returning to Santiago Bernabeu where he spent six seasons as a player and won several trophies.
The 43 years old Spanish manager was appointed as manager of his former club on a three-year deal on Sunday, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who will take charge of the Brazil men’s national team.
Alonso, in his first press conference, spoke with excitement, confidence, and a deep sense of responsibility.
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He made it clear that he’s not afraid to follow in the footsteps of Carlo Ancelotti, the most decorated manager in the club’s history.
INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, surrendering their La Liga title to Barcelona, after losing to their arch-rivals in the finals of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa, and crashing out of the Champions League to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
READ MORE: Xabi Alonso To Leave Bayer Leverkusen Amid Real Madrid Move
Speaking during a speech at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday, Alonso said: “It’s the start of an era.
“The Real Madrid fans are excited to begin this new era, to grow, and to make the history of this club even greater.
“It’s a special day. It’s a day I will have marked in my calendar for life. I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home.
“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential, [capable of] a very good present and a very good future,” he said.
“That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team.
“I have the conviction that we can achieve big things, worthy of Real Madrid, worthy of all these European Cups, of all these accomplishments made over so many years.
“I want a team that transmits emotion, energy, ambitious play and connects with the fans.”
