The Xabi Alonso era has begun at Real Madrid — and it’s brought a significant refresh of the first-team coaching staff. Carlo Ancelotti’s exit to manage the Brazil national team has led to the fellow Italians who assisted him at the Bernabeu leaving too.

Despite being under contract until the summer of 2026, Alonso bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024–25 season to return to the Spanish capital. The 43-year-old is the new manager of Real Madrid, replacing the winningest manager in club history, Carlo Ancelotti.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sent his best wishes to former colleague and now the new Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso.Alonso will take over from Carlo Ancelotti – who has been