The appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new head coach of Real Madrid has sparked great excitement in Spain and across the football world. The former midfielder, who enjoyed a glittering career with Los Blancos, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and the Spanish national team, now returns to the Santiago Bernabéu in one of the most prestigious managerial jobs in world football.
Among those who reacted to his appointment is Gareth Bale, another former Real Madrid star who shared the pitch with Alonso during their time together in the Spanish capital. Bale, who spent nine seasons at Madrid and won countless trophies including five Champions League titles, spoke highly of his former teammate’s intelligence, discipline, and leadership—qualities that he believes will serve him well as a coach.
In an interview with Madrid Universal, Bale reflected on Alonso’s personality and work ethic during their days as players. “Xabi Alonso was always present at all training sessions, paid attention to detail and took things seriously. I knew he would be an outstanding coach,” Bale said. According to Bale, Alonso already showed signs of being a future manager even during his playing career. He was deeply engaged in tactics, had an eye for small details, and constantly pushed teammates to maintain high standards. These qualities made him not just a world-class midfielder, but also someone destined to lead from the sidelines.
This assessment echoes what many in football circles have long believed—that Alonso’s understanding of the game, combined with his calm demeanor and sharp tactical mind, makes him a natural fit for coaching at the elite level.One of the biggest questions surrounding Alonso’s appointment is how he will handle a squad filled with global superstars. Real Madrid is home to some of the most talented players in the world, including Kylian Mbappé, who has finally made the long-anticipated move to the Bernabéu, and Vinícius Júnior, one of the most electrifying wingers in modern football. When asked if Alonso could make such stars work within a disciplined system, Bale was confident.
“Can Xabi make stars like Mbappé and Vini work? If you look at what he did with Bayer, the answer is yes. And now he has better players and perhaps a bigger transfer budget. I think Xabi has the respect of the players and they will fight for him,” he explained. Alonso’s track record at Bayer Leverkusen provides strong evidence of his managerial potential. He transformed the German club into one of Europe’s most exciting teams, building a balanced side that combined tactical discipline with attacking flair. His ability to instill unity and get the best out of his players suggests he can thrive even in the high-pressure environment of Madrid.
Bale also pointed out that Alonso’s respect within the dressing room will be crucial. Having been a decorated player himself—winning the Champions League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and a World Cup—Alonso commands immediate authority. Stars are more likely to listen to someone who has been at their level and succeeded.For Bale, Alonso’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era at Real Madrid. The Welshman emphasized that the new coach will not hesitate to make bold decisions to shape the team in his vision. “I expect big changes and a clear style of play, and if someone does not cope with the task, Xabi will not hesitate to send them to the bench,” Bale predicted. This uncompromising approach could be exactly what Real Madrid needs to maintain its dominance in Spain and Europe. With a blend of seasoned stars and exciting young talents, Alonso’s job will be to strike the right balance while also instilling tactical clarity.
Gareth Bale’s remarks reflect both admiration for his former teammate and confidence in his ability to succeed as Real Madrid’s coach. Having witnessed Alonso’s seriousness and attention to detail during training sessions, Bale believes those same qualities will define his managerial reign. The challenge, of course, will be immense. Managing a squad filled with world-class talents like Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo, while also living up to the club’s immense expectations, is no easy task.
Yet Bale is convinced that Alonso has the respect, tactical intelligence, and authority needed to thrive. As Bale summed it up, big changes are on the horizon. With Alonso in charge, Real Madrid may not only maintain its dominance but also enter a new era defined by discipline, style, and the uncompromising standards of a coach who knows exactly what it means to wear the white shirt.
