‘We can do big things worthy of Real Madrid’: new coach Alonso

AFP | Madrid

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New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said yesterday he has the energy and excitement to deliver success worthy of the Spanish giants’ rich history as he was presented as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement.

Alonso will lead the team at the Club World Cup this summer and has signed a three-year deal until June 2028, after Ancelotti departed to take charge of the Brazil national team.

Madrid failed to win a major trophy this season, losing their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, who also beat them in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.

Real were dealt a heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal as their European trophy defence also fell short.

“We have fantastic players, we have a team that has a lot of potential, (capable of ) a very good present and a very good future,” Alonso said at Real Madrid’s training ground.

“That gives me a lot of reason to come here with a lot of energy and a lot of hope that I can get the best out of all the players and build a great team... “(I have) the conviction that we can achieve big things, worthy of Real Madrid, worthy of all these European Cups, of all these accomplishments made over so many years.”

Alonso, a technically gifted central midfielder in his playing days, made 236 Madrid appearances between 2009-2014, winning six trophies including the Champions League in his final season at the club.