Real Madrid appoint Alonso as manager

Real Madrid have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The Spaniard replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who is to take charge of the Brazil national team from Monday following his last game at Real Madrid on Saturday.

Alonso, 43, announced his Bayer Leverkusen departure earlier this month after a successful two-and-a-half-year spell at the German club, having won a league and cup double last season and falling just short of a remarkable unbeaten treble with defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final.

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He will be presented as manager at an event in Madrid on Monday when he will also address the media.

A Real Madrid statement added: "Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football. He wore our shirt in 236 official matches between 2009 and 2014. During that time he won six titles: the 10th European Cup in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one LaLiga title, two Copa del Rey titles and one Spanish Super Cup.

"Xabi Alonso is also a legend of the Spanish national team, with which he won one World Cup (2010) and two European Championships (2008 and 2012) in 113 international matches.

"Xabi Alonso began his coaching career at Real Madrid's youth academy, managing the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, where he won the league and the champions tournament.

"Now he returns to Real Madrid as one of the best coaches in the world, after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the league, cup and German Super Cup in three seasons."