Tebas Reacts to Xabi Alonso’s Likely Appointment at Real Madrid: “It Seems Very Good to Me”

As the footballing world braces for the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s second reign at Real Madrid, signs increasingly point to former Los Blancos midfielder Xabi Alonso stepping in as the club’s new head coach. The appointment has not only created a buzz within the Santiago Bernabéu but has also drawn support from key figures in Spanish football—most notably La Liga president Javier Tebas.

Real Madrid’s decision to pivot in a new direction comes in the wake of a mixed 2024/25 campaign that fell short of expectations. Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in Europe, the club failed to clinch any of the major trophies—La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey. Disheartening defeats, including a stinging loss in El Clásico, exposed tactical weaknesses and called for fresh leadership.

In that context, the return of Xabi Alonso to the Spanish capital carries more than just sentimental value. The former midfielder, who spent five trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, is widely seen as a rising managerial talent after transforming Bayer Leverkusen into Bundesliga champions—breaking Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance in German football.

Javier Tebas, who oversees the league’s operations and image, has publicly endorsed the club’s expected choice. Speaking during a media session, he remarked: “Real Madrid sees Xabi Alonso as their ideal choice, and I’m pleased for him. It’s good to have him back in Spanish football and at a top club—his club.”

Tebas further stated, “I believe it’s a very good decision. Ultimately, it’s up to the club, and I respect their judgment.” The La Liga chief didn’t mince words in his praise for Alonso, emphasizing the manager’s triumph in Germany: “Winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, ahead of Bayern Munich, is an impressive achievement.”

Alonso’s anticipated arrival represents more than just a managerial change—it’s symbolic of a generational shift. As the club navigates life after veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, Alonso’s knowledge of Madrid’s ethos and his eye for tactical innovation make him a fitting torchbearer for the next era.

The timing of the appointment is also strategic. With Real Madrid set to participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, the board is eager to complete the transition early, allowing Alonso enough time to oversee summer training camps and implement his footballing philosophy. Club sources suggest that several player signings—aligned with Alonso’s tactical preferences—are already in the pipeline.

Reports indicate that Alonso has presented a shortlist of signings and has already begun internal meetings with Madrid’s scouting department. His intention is to shape a dynamic team capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.

Alonso’s deep understanding of Real Madrid’s culture and expectations also gives him an edge. Unlike other outsider candidates, the 42-year-old understands the pressure, the fans, and the global standards expected of Los Blancos. That familiarity may help ease his transition and immediately command respect in the locker room.

Moreover, Alonso is seen as the perfect bridge between Madrid’s glorious past and its exciting future. Players such as Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Eduardo Camavinga could thrive under his guidance, given his reputation for nurturing young talent and promoting an aggressive, pressing-oriented style of play.

Critics, however, will question whether Alonso’s relative inexperience at elite managerial levels will be enough to handle the demands of managing one of the most scrutinized clubs in world football. Nevertheless, his record in Germany suggests he thrives under pressure, and his calm demeanor combined with tactical clarity could be a game-changer at the Bernabéu.

Florentino Pérez, who has long admired Alonso’s intellect both on and off the pitch, is reportedly enthusiastic about handing the reins to someone he once considered a general in midfield. This move also signals the club’s ongoing effort to embrace modern football strategies while remaining rooted in its traditional values.

Alonso’s appointment will also spark renewed interest in La Liga, a development welcomed by Tebas. A high-profile former player turned manager adds narrative depth to the competition and boosts the league’s global appeal—especially in a post-Messi, post-Ronaldo era where fresh stars and storylines are crucial.

If all goes as expected, the official announcement could come in the first week of June, with a press conference and unveiling at Valdebebas shortly after. From there, Alonso will face a whirlwind of decisions: summer transfers, preseason plans, and the Club World Cup challenge looming on the horizon.

Whether he succeeds or not remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Real Madrid has chosen evolution over revolution. In Xabi Alonso, they have picked a man who embodies both their history and their ambition to dominate the next decade of football.

With supporters eager to witness his tactical imprint and former teammates backing his credentials, all eyes now turn to the Spanish capital. A new chapter is on the verge of unfolding at Real Madrid, and it’s one that Javier Tebas—and perhaps all of La Liga—believes could be truly “very good.”