Xabi Alonso heals Real Madrid's wounds to lead the revolution
According to Bbc.
Context
Xabi Alonso, now Chelsea coach, brings with him a wealth of experience from top-flight clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. His training under the tutelage of his father, Periko Alonso, and his career in youth football have shaped his approach to coaching and leadership, aspects that will be crucial to his new role in the Premier League.
Why this matters
Xabi Alonso's transition from Real Madrid to Chelsea marks a significant moment in his coaching career. His experience as a player and his methodical approach to training could be crucial in revitalizing a team looking to regain its top spot in the Premier League. Alonso's ability to inspire and lead the likes of Levi Colwill and Nicolas Jackson will be key to Chelsea's success next season.
Main conclusions
- Xabi Alonso heals Real Madrid's wounds to lead the revolution.
- Xabi Alonso reflects on his move from Real Madrid to Chelsea, highlighting his commitment to team building and leadership as he begins a new chapter as a coach.
- Chelsea: Xabi Alonso heals Real Madrid scars to lead Blues' senior revolution - BBC Sport.
Watching Xabi Alonso coach his Chelsea team evokes memories of his playing days at Liverpool and Real Madrid. The 44-year-old, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, is fully involved in training sessions, setting up players with precise short passes before launching his signature cross-field passes at Sky Park, the home of Sydney FC. That performance impressed his players in Australia during pre-season, with notable defender Levi Colwill confessing to feeling “jealous”. At a hotel in Sydney's Darling Harbour, Alonso detailed the long road to Chelsea, which began alongside his father, Periko Alonso, also a Spanish international and former Real Sociedad and Barcelona player. Since he was little, Xabi would accompany Periko in the kitchen while he prepared his workouts for the next day. "The path was not unknown to me. I saw it at home," he said. "I'm not saying it had to be like that, but I had to try. I wanted to try it, but not immediately at such a high level. I started at under-14 and that's how I wanted it. I felt like it was natural, don't rush me." This approach reflects Alonso's style of play, which was characterized by slowing down the pace of the match. Although he was slow to take charge in youth football, he quickly felt, as in his playing career, that success was inevitable. After taking over Bayer Leverkusen, previously nicknamed 'Neverkusen' in Germany, for never being able to become champions, Alonso made history in 2024 by leading the team to an unprecedented double: a first Bundesliga title and a first victory in the DFB-Pokal since 1993. Alonso considers this achievement "unexpectedly fantastic".
However, after joining Real Madrid in May of the previous year, he left the club by mutual agreement following rumors of conflicts with key players such as Vinicius Jr. "Fortunately, there are not many scars in my career," he commented on his early departure from Madrid. "I got a scar, and now it's healed. I'm determined to enjoy this next step, just like I did when I started in Madrid. For the things that didn't work, I was very critical of myself, thinking about what I could have done better. You learn from disappointments." It's fascinating to watch how a figure like Alonso, with 15 major titles, deals with rare disappointment. In the four months between his departure from Madrid and his arrival at Chelsea, he used that time to "reset his energy". This energy is visible. In his final session in Sydney, Alonso conducted a full drill with his team before facing Tottenham, and then called on Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo for drills where he tried to push them off the ball. The emphasis has been on team building, allowing players time to explore, go to the movies and undertake tourist activities. The entire cast visited North Sydney's renovated Olympic pool for a swim in the Australian winter.
Alonso held discreet meetings in London and his hometown of San Sebastián over three weeks in early May to ensure Chelsea were the right choice. Despite questions about why he chose the Blues over Liverpool, there was no offer on the latter's table, and last month Alonso claimed that "timing" led him to Chelsea rather than Anfield. "I had an outsider's view of Chelsea," he explained, revealing how he carefully considered the move to Stamford Bridge and initial discussions with sporting directors about his vision for the club. "I could see the positives and my concerns, so I addressed them. We had the same ideas, the same analysis, to start building momentum together. That's why we're taking these steps together and making decisions to build a good team." That view extends to the £117m signing of striker Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. He was Chelsea's main attacking target and was secured despite interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. Alonso also added Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, who could be instrumental in implementing the system he used at Leverkusen, while talks remain open over left-back option Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano. "We've taken some steps, but I feel we can still do more," said Alonso when asked about the support he has received.
Alonso has been careful not to exaggerate when speaking to the press, but he always gives the impression that he is heavily involved. His role as first coach, rather than head coach, under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital may have been overstated. The club's five sporting directors remain responsible for the majority of the operation, although in constant dialogue with Alonso and his team. As always at this time of year, Chelsea is open for business. There is genuine excitement surrounding the arrival of 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck, who will join the squad for pre-season. His role will be to provide experienced cover for Joao Pedro, whilst also bringing a positive influence behind the scenes. Midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, is also expected to arrive after Chelsea failed to secure Bayer Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka from Sunderland. As he did under England manager Thomas Tuchel at this summer's World Cup, Henderson must help raise standards as a vocal leader, something Chelsea have been lacking. It would be similar to the role Alonso played under Pep Guardiola towards the end of his career at Bayern Munich. It's a senior revolution in the Premier League's youngest team. Chelsea have already suffered from indiscipline, an alleged fragility in defense in set pieces and, perhaps most importantly, a lack of leadership and culture in the dressing room. "You need the right balance of personalities and stages of maturity, with players in their 20s, 30s and everything in between," Alonso said of restructuring his squad. Culture is another area that Alonso knows needs to be addressed. "In the Basque Country, we have a strong sense of collective purpose and culture," he said. Alonso believes this culture should extend beyond the team. He recently provided assists for the winning team in a coaching staff game ahead of Chelsea's overseas trip. The change also represents a good time on a personal level. With children aged 18, 16 and 12, the family is excited about moving to London. And although Chelsea finished last season in 10th place and without trophies, Alonso sees the new club as an exciting opportunity. "The situation wasn't as bad as it seemed at the end of last season," he said in explaining why he took the job. "There's a lot of potential to improve and we'll see how long that takes." A month after taking office, Alonso is encouraged that much of what he hoped would happen is already taking shape. However, there is still an element of the unknown as he looks to make his mark at one of the Premier League's biggest teams, this time as a manager rather than a player. "You sure had to come a lot from here," he said, pointing first to his heart and then to his head. "And from here too," he added, pointing to his stomach. "It has to come from intuition. I felt it was a good time for the club and a good time for me. It was a good opportunity and I felt I had the chance to enjoy being a coach.
What happens next
With pre-season underway, expect Xabi Alonso to continue implementing his playing philosophy at Chelsea, focusing on short passes and dynamic attacking plays. As the team prepares for the challenges of the Premier League, fans will be keeping an eye on Alonso's developing style of play and the impact he will have on the team's performance. The expectation is that he can replicate the success he had previously at Bayer Leverkusen.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Xabi Alonso at Chelsea?
Xabi Alonso began coaching Chelsea, evoking memories of his days as a player at Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Who confirmed Xabi Alonso's leadership at Chelsea?
Xabi Alonso detailed his journey to Chelsea during an interview at the Darling Harbor hotel in Sydney.
Why is Xabi Alonso coaching Chelsea now?
Alonso is coaching Chelsea after making history with Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
What changes did Alonso bring to Chelsea?
Alonso is implementing a style of play that reflects his approach as a player, focusing on precise short passes and controlled pace.
What is Xabi Alonso's relationship with youth football?
Alonso began his youth football career at the age of 14, inspired by his father, Periko Alonso, who was also a professional footballer.