Xabi Alonso has announced the start of a new era at during his unveiling as the new manager of Real Madrid.
Alonso, 43, was appointed as manager of his former club on a three-year deal on Sunday, replacing Carlo Ancelotti – who will now take charge of the Brazillian national team.
Madrid endured a torrid campaign, surrendering their La Liga title, losing the finals of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa, all to their arch-rivals, Barcelona, and crashing out of the Champions League to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
However, during a speech at his unveiling at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Monday, Alonso said: “It’s the start of an era.”
He added: “The Real Madrid fans are excited to begin this new era, to grow, and to make the history of this club even greater.
“It’s a special day. It’s a day I will have marked in my calendar for life. I am very happy to be here, in what I feel is my home.”
“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,” he said.
“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.
“I want a team that transmits emotion, energy, ambitious play and connects with the fans.”
Alonso paid tribute to Ancelotti – who won three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and two La Liga titles across two spells with Los Blancos – and also managed Alonso at both Real and Bayern Munich.
“Carlo was my coach, a great person and a huge influence. Without his mastery, I probably wouldn’t be here,” he said.
“I take over and carry on his legacy with great honour and pride.”
Alonso will begin his tenure on 1st June, before the FIFA Club World Cup next month.