A new era is dawning at the Santiago Bernabéu, and with it, the foundations of the Galactic Eleven may be shaken to their core.
Carlo Ancelotti’s golden run with Real Madrid will officially end in June as he heads off to lead Brazil’s national team. But behind closed doors in the Spanish capital, the winds of change are already blowing fiercely.
Xabi Alonso, the man chosen to succeed the Italian tactician, is not here to continue a legacy. He’s here to redefine it.
Alonso, a former Real Madrid icon, is walking into one of the most demanding roles in world football. But instead of shying away, he’s facing the challenge head-on—with a ruthless plan.
His first decisions have already left the locker room stunned. According to trusted insiders, Alonso has wasted no time. He delivered to club president Florentino Pérez a streamlined, no-nonsense list of his demands.
What’s shocking? Attack wasn’t on it.
With Kylian Mbappé’s arrival now a matter of “when” not “if,” and with talents like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and teenage prodigy Endrick already locked in, Alonso isn’t concerned about goals.
His philosophy is direct: “We have the weapons. Now we must build the armory.”
Top of his list: a new left-back and at least one experienced midfielder—two roles he sees as Real Madrid’s Achilles’ heels.
Ferland Mendy, once hailed as the defensive pillar on the left, has struggled with inconsistency and injuries. Fran García, while promising, hasn’t convinced anyone he can be trusted under the floodlights of a Champions League semi-final.
But Alonso’s biggest concern lies in midfield—the engine room of his football ideology.
“Midfield is the soul of the game,” Alonso told those close to him. “If you control the middle, you control the result.”
Luka Modrić’s potential departure adds urgency. Even with Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and the rising Arda Güler, Alonso believes the squad lacks veterans with grit and nerves of steel in high-stakes showdowns.
That’s where names like Joshua Kimmich and Bruno Guimarães enter the conversation. Both are proven warriors, tactically adaptable, and mentally unshakeable. Alonso sees them not as luxury additions, but as necessities.
And yet, the surprise twist doesn’t stop there.
While the focus has been on midfield and defense, club president Pérez is already one step ahead. Reports say he’s quietly activating talks for William Saliba of Arsenal—a move that could redefine Real’s defensive future.
Saliba, known for his speed, aerial dominance, and calmness under pressure, could unlock Alonso’s desire for a flexible back three.
In truth, the appointment of Alonso is as much about football as it is about identity. Real Madrid wants to modernize—but without losing the relentless DNA that defines them. Alonso, who blends classic Madridismo with a forward-thinking tactical mind, is the perfect vessel.
His boldness has not gone unnoticed. Veteran players, still loyal to Ancelotti, have been caught off guard by Alonso’s fearless ambition.
But this is exactly what the president wants. A statement. A signal that no matter how successful the past was, Real Madrid is always preparing for tomorrow.
Alonso is not here for a soft landing. He’s here to tear down what needs to go and build something stronger, faster, and more intelligent.
In a few months, preseason will begin. But the true battle for Real Madrid’s next identity is already underway.
And if Alonso gets what he wants, the Galactic Eleven won’t just be rebuilt.
They’ll be reborn.
