X!abi Alonso stepped up to the mic for his first press conference as Real Madrid’s new coach. He’s already shown he can dodge tough questions with ease – and even the simple ones. When asked when he knew he’d be taking over for Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso cracked a joke, getting a chuckle from the room. “When? It’s about me wanting to be here and them wanting me. I’ve considered myself the coach since yesterday, and even more so today. When did I know? Yesterday, when the announcement dropped – it was a shock.”
He didn’t give a straight answer about players he’s targeting, like Álvaro Carreras from Benfica. Alonso said he wants to get to know the entire squad first. “Our job is to improve, and I’m eager to start. I don’t come with demands, but with a willingness to work and improve.” He talked about the team’s defensive issues this season, saying he’s analyzing how to create a balanced team with control, playing to each player’s strengths. “We need to develop a collective spirit, which will give us stability and let individual qualities shine.”
Alonso said he’s done his homework on the club and players, using that analysis to shape his project. “The teams depend on the players, and these guys are top-notch. The challenge is to form a team that brings out their potential, so everyone works together. If we can do that, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.” He didn’t say “unstoppable,” but “very powerful.”
The coach was also asked about new signing Huijsen and the departure of Modric. Alonso didn’t want to comment on whether he was involved in those decisions. “When it comes to Modric, I’m biased – we were teammates, and I have a soft spot for him. Seeing the farewell he got makes us proud. I’m lucky to have the chance to coach him at the Club World Cup, and I hope to do him justice.”
Alonso talked about following in Ancelotti’s footsteps and the coaches who’ve influenced him, including Mourinho and Guardiola. “It’s a beautiful challenge – we can do things that make the fans proud. I’m probably here because of all their influence. I’ve been lucky to have curiosity and a close relationship with them as a player, trying to learn. My dad was a coach, so maybe he’s the biggest influence, but I’ve learned from all of them. I keep in touch and have a good relationship with everyone.”
The coach said he took the job before the Club World Cup to “get a head start” and “already compete for a title.” He wants his Real Madrid to be flexible and connect with the fans, using the talented players they have. When asked about Rodrygo, who’s been underutilized since Mbappé joined, Alonso said, “He’s a Real Madrid player, and I’ll talk to everyone because they deserve it. We need to get to know each other. He’s an amazing player – I’m not discovering anything new, but we’ll need him.”