Every major problem Xabi Alonso must face as new Real Madrid boss

When Xabi Alonso steps into the Real Madrid dugout this summer, he will not only be inheriting the most decorated team in world football, but also one of the most demanding jobs in the game.

Swapping the safe seat of Bayer Leverkusen – where he masterminded their first-ever Bundesliga title – for the white-hot spotlight of the Santiago Bernabeu, Alonso returns to the club where he won everything as a player, now tasked with continuing that legacy from the sidelines.

Carlo Ancelotti’s exit leaves huge shoes to fill. The Italian has guided Madrid to multiple Champions League and La Liga titles in two successful spells.

Now, Alonso will be expected to keep the trophies flowing while also reshaping a squad that’s entering a period of transition.

Here are the major problems Alonso must address when he begins life as Real Madrid’s head coach.

🚨🤍 Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, here we go! Story confirmed and deal sealed for Xabi as new manager until 2028.

Staff sorted, contract in place and three year deal for Alonso with Real planning for him to start at FIFA Club World Cup.

Ancelotti farewell soon, then Xabi era. 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/s6jY4DzZmx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2025

Defensive instability

Real Madrid’s backline has shown moments of brilliance this season, but it’s also been far from reliable.

Antonio Rudiger often walks a tightrope with his aggressive style and regularly leads to moments of chaos.

Meanwhile, Eder Militao will return from an ACL injury that has sidelined him for nearly the entire season, but it’s never guaranteed a player will come back at their previous level, especially from knee injuries.

David Alaba has also struggled with fitness, and Nacho is expected to leave the club this summer. Reinforcements are a necessity – and Madrid know it.

The club has been linked with a range of options. Cristian Romero of Tottenham has reportedly caught their eye, while Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is another name on the radar.

There are even whispers of a move for Arsenal’s William Saliba, but that would likely cost a small fortune.

Settling Trent

One of the most intriguing aspects of Alonso’s Real Madrid tenure will be integrating Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to arrive from Liverpool this summer.

The England international brings world-class creativity from deep, but he also presents a tactical challenge – one that Alonso must solve quickly.

Trent isn’t a conventional right-back. His defensive positioning has often been questioned, but his attacking output is elite.

The key is finding Trent’s role in the system. If Alonso replicates his 3-4-2-1 setup from Bayer Leverkusen, Alexander-Arnold could thrive as a right wing-back – a position that allows him to create without the same defensive burden. Jeremie Frimpong starred in that role under Alonso.

But adaptation will take time. New league, new culture, and sky-high expectations. With the help of England team-mate Jude Bellingham, Alonso will be hoping for a quick and easy process.

🚨⚪️ Real Madrid have decided to try bring in a new centre back this summer, clear indication from Xabi Alonso accepted by the management.

The club also keeps looking for a new left back as part of the transfer strategy. pic.twitter.com/Dl2dYMRO6q

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2025

The case of Vinicius Junior

Few players divide opinion at Madrid more than Vinicius Junior, and 2024-25 has not been his finest campaign. The Brazilian winger, once hailed as the heir to Neymar’s throne, has struggled despite coming so close to winning the Ballon d’Or.

Statistically, it’s been underwhelming. As of May, Vinicius has just eight goals and five assists in La Liga – a steep drop from his 17 goals and 10 assists from the previous season. 

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe may be playing a role in that dip. Once the attacking focal point, Vinicius now seems a player unsure of his role. There’s been a visible frustration in his performances, something Alonso must resolve.

Whether that means shifting the shape to accommodate both Mbappe and Vinicius or simply putting an arm around his shoulder, Madrid need their Brazilian talisman back at his best.

Finding a new midfield engine

The heart of Madrid’s golden generation is beating slower these days. Luka Modric, now 39, has taken on more of a cameo role, but still plays a lot of minutes.

Dani Ceballos hasn’t developed into the midfield dynamo many hoped foreither and Eduardo Camavinga, despite his talent, has had a disappointing year.

While Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni offer promise, there’s a need for more verticality, energy, and goal threat in midfield.

Alonso, who built Leverkusen’s system around players like Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz, will be looking for similar profiles in Spain.

Potential signings? Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle has been on Madrid’s radar. Joao Neves, Benfica’s 19-year-old star, is another strong candidate.

Xabi Alonso. 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/8HHFLUTKQS

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 11, 2025

A new identity

One of the biggest criticisms of Real Madrid under Ancelotti has been a lack of clear identity. While Barcelona have leaned heavily into youth, and PSG’s project is now clearly focused around pace, width and fluid attacking, Madrid often look like a team relying on individual brilliance.

Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen were the polar opposite. Their 3-4-2-1 system was structured, and highly adaptable. They built from the back, controlled the tempo, and suffocated opponents. The big question now is: can Alonso do the same at Madrid?

Does he have the players for it? Some pieces are there. A back three could suit Alaba, Rudiger, and Militao. Wing-backs? Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia could do a job, but neither is at Jeremie Frimpong’s level, who thrived in that role for Alonso.

Up front, Bellingham and Mbappe could play in the dual No.10 roles, with someone like Rodrygo or Vinicius acting as the spearhead.

But adopting such a structure at Madrid is risky. Fans expect attacking football. Players expect freedom. Alonso will need to either adapt his system or begin to build a squad that fits his philosophy.

Alonso and Madrid, a match made in heaven?

Xabi Alonso returns to Real Madrid not just as a familiar face, but as a symbol of the club’s future direction. Young, ambitious, tactically sharp.

This is a club that chews up managers for breakfast. Winning is non-negotiable. And with Barcelona re-establishing their dominance in La Liga this season, the pressure is on Alonso to hit the ground running.

He’s taking a risk. So are Madrid. But if he gets the defence solid, revitalises Vinicius, reinvents the midfield, and stamps his own tactical identity on the team, he could be the man to usher in a new golden era at the Bernabeu.

If not? The job might eat him alive.

Adblock test (Why?)