"Xabi Alonso (43) energizes his teammates ahead of his Real Madrid comeback"

Channeling the Legend 🏆

Xabi Alonso steps into the Real Madrid hot seat on Wednesday, marking his first stint as a coach for the elite football club. Known for his impeccable ball control and skilful passes during his playing days, Alonso is back to rejuvenate Madrid's glory.

A veteran of 40-meter passes and heel passes, Alonso has picked up right where he left off in Leverkusen, according to FIFA World Player Vinicius Junior. "He still has it. We're thrilled to have him here," said the star player after the initial training sessions with the new coach.

As nervous as he may be, Alonso acknowledges that this will be a momentous day for him as Real kicks off in the Club World Cup against Saudi Vice-Champions Al-Hilal. The quick transition from his last day with Leverkusen to his first day with Real has made matters feel real – and urgent. Alonso is yet to familiarize himself with many of his players, but he's ready to take the plunge and form a formidable team.

32 Days and Counting at the Helm

The core of Madrid's new starting lineup, including Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Thibault Courtois, and Luka Modric – who will play his final match for Real at 39 years old – Alonso has only met for the first time after touching down in Florida. "We have to act quickly, get to know each other, and train. We have to start forming a team," he observed upon his arrival in Miami.

Alonso demonstrated his ability to build a winning squad during his tenure at Leverkusen. Real President Florentino Pérez is counting on this success as the team can't afford another season without titles and dwelling in the shadows of rivals FC Barcelona.

Following in the Footsteps of a Legend

Alonso's appointment comes with enormous expectations, as he succeeds Carlo Ancelotti, the most decorated coach in Real history in terms of titles. There are even whispers of Alonso being the modern-day equivalent of José Villalonga, the late former coach who won the first edition of the European Cup of Champions with Real in 1956. Alonso could pen a similar story at the thoroughly revamped Club World Cup, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Looking ahead, Vinicius Junior seems eager to conquer new territory. "It's the only title Madrid hasn't won yet. So let's go get it," he expressed on Real Madrid TV. While eyes in Miami will follow Alonso's every move, the opposing bench will also be the launchpad for a new adventure: Just a few weeks removed from his tenure at Champions League finalists Inter Milan, Simone Inzaghi is gearing up for his coaching debut against Real Madrid – a different story altogether. 🌟

"Xabi Alonso, as he prepares for his first match as coach of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, might find inspiration in the success of his skilful passing during his football career, reminiscent of the glory days of sports."

"With pressure mounting due to the expectations set by his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, and the quest to win a title that Madrid hasn't yet claimed, football veterans like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and others await Alonso's tactical guidance, energized for the challenges ahead in the world of sports."