The former Real Madrid midfielder has completed a remarkable transformation at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the team to their first unbeaten Bundesliga title in history. That achievement has had a huge impact across European football. But can Alonso repeat that feat and, more importantly, make Real Madrid the continent’s most dominant force?
Alonso's tactical plan at Leverkusen is based around a fluid and adaptable 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasising a proactive approach both in and out of possession. They prioritise dominating the midfield, using compact triangles to facilitate quick and complex passing combinations.
This allows them to control the rhythm of the game and patiently build up their attack, often targeting the forward line with early and direct passes. Wing-backs play an important role by providing width and attacking momentum, often acting as additional strikers.
Defensive solidity is a top priority. Alonso’s Leverkusen play a well-coordinated press that is triggered when the opposition enters dangerous areas. The wingers and midfielders drop back to support the defence, creating a compact block that is difficult to break through. They also have an effective counter-press that aims to quickly win the ball back in advanced areas.
This tactical flexibility is an important aspect of Alonso’s managerial style. Having experimented with 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 formations in the past, he shows a willingness to adapt his formations and strategies depending on the opposition and the players at his disposal. This pragmatism will be a vital attribute when managing a talented Real Madrid squad.
Real Madrid’s current squad, despite losing in the Copa del Rey final and being knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals, boasts a wealth of world-class players. So how can Alonso integrate this existing talent with his own tactical ideas?
Alonso’s background as a world-class midfielder suggests he will prioritize control and tactical intelligence in midfield. Players like Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham have the athleticism and technical ability to thrive in his system.
Bellingham, in particular, could shine in one of the advanced midfield roles in a 3-4-2-1, similar to the influence of Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen.
With regard to the wingbacks, while Real Madrid’s current wingbacks are experienced, they may need to adapt fully to Alonso’s preferred attacking wingback roles. However, their potential to contribute to a wider system could open up new attacking avenues.
How Alonso optimizes the forward line will be interesting to see. Mbappé, alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo—who wants to leave Real Madrid—offers incredible attacking variety. Alonso’s fluid formations can allow these players to switch positions and exploit space, creating an unpredictable forward line.
The new job will not be easy for Alonso
However, this transition will not be without its challenges. Real Madrid under Ancelotti have often relied on individual talent and quick transitions. Alonso’s implementation of a more possession-based and structurally rigid system will require patience and adaptation from the players.
Also, the pressure at Real Madrid is different from other clubs. While Alonso has shown remarkable composure at Leverkusen, managing the expectations and demands of the Madrid fans and the club’s management is a different story.
Despite these potential obstacles, Alonso could mark the start of an exciting new era at Real Madrid. His tactical intelligence, adaptability, and deep understanding of the club’s culture make him a strong candidate to not only reassert their domestic dominance but also build a team capable of reconquering Europe.
The football world will be watching closely to see if the student can truly master the art at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Is it the right time for Alonso?
Whether it is the right time for Alonso remains uncertain. However, that is a question mark that applies to any manager who has been linked to Real Madrid, given the size of the club and the pressures that come with it.
However, Alonso’s patient wait for a managerial position over the last few seasons could be seen as an advantage in his favour. His development as a player, playing for Real Sociedad’s B team, before moving to the relatively less visible Leverkusen, shows that he has chosen a wise career path.
There are parallels to be drawn here with Zinedine Zidane joining Real Madrid as a legendary former player. However, Alonso is much further along in his managerial career and has already achieved great success with Leverkusen, which is a positive for him. Alonso’s experience at the club as a player and the fact that he left of his own accord are also factors that could help him.
The club also had coaches who were sacked in just a few months. Expectations are always high here. However, Alonso is thought to know how to manage the unique pressures at Real Madrid, and the players will certainly respect him. After all, he is a Real Madrid legend, and his roots are in Real Madrid.
Alonso can certainly take Real Madrid back to the top, but it may not happen in the first season. Maybe after he makes the transfers he wants, the second season will be easier for him. Or maybe he will make a big surprise by misleading everyone and collecting the trophies from the very first season. Who knows? We will wait and watch.
According to some sources, the 43-year-old Spanish coach will inform his club Bayer Leverkusen of his decision in the coming days and he is not expected to face any obstacle in moving. On the other hand, the details of Ancelotti's contract, who is expected to take over the Brazilian team, are also becoming clear.
It should also be noted that Alonso, who made the German team undefeated champions in the 2023/24 season, is in second place with 67 points in the Bundesliga, which has been in its 31st week.