Xabi Alonso: “We can do things to inspire madridismo”

Xabi Alonso spoke to the press in the media room at Real Madrid City after signing his deal to become Real Madrid's coach for the next three seasons. In his first press conference as our team's new boss, he reflected: "It's an emotional day, the kind you remember because it will only happen once in your life. I feel immense pride, responsibility, excitement and energy to come back to where I felt at home. I'm eager to start out on this new chapter."
“I won't get giddy, the demands reflect brilliantly on all Carlo achieved. It's a challenge, but we want to do things that inspire and excite madridismo. That's what my coaching staff and I are coming here to do. I'm sure we have the energy to give us the extra boost we need."

What does he need to improve this Madrid team?
“I've done an analysis of the team, but I'll use that to inform the ideas I have and the project I'm undertaking. As coaches, we depend on the players and they're at the very highest level. The challenge is to build a team and get everyone moving in the same direction. That will be an incredibly powerful force."

“It's our duty to strive to improve in every respect. From the moment I take over as Real Madrid coach, my vision is to find a consensus with the club. This is a fantastic squad and I can't wait to start working with the players. I'm not coming in here with a set of demands, rather a desire to work hard."

When did he decide to make the switch?
“It has to work for both sides - Madrid have to want you, and you have to want to come. The second of those isn't usually an issue. I consider myself Real Madrid coach as of yesterday, and today even more so with all of you gathered here, and the people at the club as well. The next step is to be with the players, although I've already met some of them because they were down there just now."

“I found out yesterday when the statement came out, as if I didn't know... It was clear. We started discussing things yesterday and now we're all in agreement, we've said what needs to be said. The goal is to assess how to improve. I'm here starting today, and I'm making decisions as of now."

Leading the team at the Club World Cup
“The circumstances mean that's how it's happened, so I have the opportunity to bring things forward a bit, we'll get to know each other and fight for a trophy. That will be the ambition and if we're able to bring the two things together, it'll be a great start. That's what I'm working towards starting today."

Playing style
“I like that question because football today demands that you can be flexible, dynamic, move pieces around. I have some ideas of how I'd like to play and I want the team to show emotion, energy, and to connect with the crowd. That symbiosis will be crucial. We have great players to work with and I want to get down to the day-to-day work so we can fulfil the potential of each one of them and start putting the pieces in place to build a team."

“I want the players to play where they feel most comfortable and where they can show off their physical, tactical and mental attributes to the fullest. The good thing is that we have great players, the rest is my problem. I've watched games and I'm already thinking about how to be a balanced team that exerts control over the game, while capitalising on the team's individual qualities. That will help bring stability that allows the individual brilliance to flourish."

Bellingham's position
“He can be special wherever he plays because he's a special player. He was at Dortmund when I arrived and he made a generational impact when he came to Real Madrid. He'll be a crucial player for us in the coming years and this is a great time to work with him and make sure he's a key part of what we want to do. We want him to use his potential in the most efficient way possible."

Is he ready for Madrid?
“I feel like now is the time. It's the right moment because it suited all parties. I've felt it from the people around the place since yesterday, they're excited and eager to believe. That gives me real energy, and now we just have to translate that onto the pitch, of course."

Which coach has had the biggest impact on him?
“I think the fact I'm sitting here now is due to a wide range of influences. I've been fortunate enough to have some fantastic coaches and I always tried to be eager to learn from and understand them. My father was a coach and he was perhaps my biggest influence. You gradually start to develop your own play-book, but you have to remain dynamic when it comes to how to improve. I try and enjoy a good relationship with all the players and that's a very positive thing."

Relationship with the players
“I don't really like to say what I'm like myself, but I do need to feel close to them in training, in games and in the team talks. I need that connection so I can feel what each player needs. I know I'm the coach, but I like to be close to everyone."

Modrić
“I'm not very objective with Luka. We were teammates and we enjoyed great chemistry on the pitch. He's become the conductor of this team and a true legend. Seeing his farewell the other day makes you proud to be part of the club and all that Luka has done. I was with him just a moment ago and I'm going to enjoy it. It'll be a privilege to be with him at the Club World Cup."

Mbappé and Vini Jr.
“It's incredibly fortunate to have players of that quality, among many others as well. They're two guys who make the difference and we have to get the very best out of them both. If they give it their all, this will be a winning team. I have some ideas and there is still some time before I get to speak to them, but I'll work on it. Things work better when there's good connection and communication. They're top-level players and that's my job."

Rodrygo
“He's a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so, and we'll get to know each other. He's a spectacular player and we need him."

High press
“I want us to be able to choose our moments. We have to work on the idea of how to do it, and right now we have to be able to manage different approaches. The plan is to have an ambitious, proactive style, and to take the initiative. I'm convinced we have the players to do that."