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Bayer Leverkusen Player Reveals What Real Madrid Fans Can Expect from Xabi Alonso

Originally posted on Real Madrid CF on SI
By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 5:08 AM ET

It's set to be an exciting time for Real Madrid fans as Xabi Alonso takes charge of the team. Usually, it's a few months before we see Los Blancos play a competitive game after the season ends. However, due to the Club World Cup in June, we will see Alonso's Madrid in action much earlier.

The young Spanish coach has achieved considerable success in his short coaching career. In his first full season with Bayer Leverkusen, he helped the club win the Bundesliga title, the first title in the club's history. He also won the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup

One of his former players at the German club and Spanish international has spoken to Marca. Alejandro Grimaldo has revealed what Real fans can expect from his former head coach.

They should expect a highly prepared coach, tactically sound, and with clear ideas. He'll put the team at the center of everything. Real Madrid made the right choice with him.Alejandro Grimaldo

The 29-year-old played at left wing-back in a five-man defense for Leverkusen. However, he also spoke about the versatility Alonso has in games.

Xabi is a very versatile coach. At Leverkusen, he used a back five, but also a back four. He analyzes matches a lot, is tactically very strong, and knows which system to use at any given moment. He's prepared to do very well.Alejandro Grimaldo

Grimaldo has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, joining his former coach. Still, reports suggest they are looking at Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras as their primary choice.

This article first appeared on Real Madrid CF on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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