New Madrid coach Alonso hails return 'home' but plans new era
Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso pictured prior to the start of the German Bundesliga soccer match between FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer Leverkusen at Mewa Arena. Torsten Silz/dpa
New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso aims to bind his connection to the history of the club with a new era of dominance.
"It's certainly a very special day that I'll be marking in my diary for the rest of my life. I feel at home here and I'm happy to be here," an emotional Alonso said on Monday during his presentation in the Spanish capital.
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"The connection to Madrid has always been there and this feeling has been rekindled."
The former Bayer Leverkusen coach replaces Brazil-bound Carlo Ancelotti and will officially take up the post on June 1, ahead of the Club World Cup in the US from mid-June.
Ancelotti coached Alonso during his first spell as Madrid coach and also at Bayern Munich.
"I will not forget Carlo. He was a coach who moulded me, a great person. I take over from him with honour and pride and hope that I can live up to expectations," said Alonso.
"It's the start of a new era."
Madrid president Florentino Pérez said Alonso was one of the "greatest legends" of Spanish football having won the 2010 World Cup, two European Championships, the 2014 Champions League at Madrid and trophies at Liverpool and Bayern before turning to coaching and giving Leverkusen their first Bundesliga title.
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"You are returning to take on one of the greatest challenges of your life," Pérez added.
Alonso, who won a league and cup double while going unbeaten domestically with Leverkusen last season, finished second to Bayern this term. He is being replaced by Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
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