Bale Trusts Xabi Alonso to Revolutionize Real Madrid

Gareth Bale Supports Xabi Alonso to Transform Real Madrid

Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale has expressed his confidence in new coach Xabi Alonso, backing his ability to make “big changes” in the team. Bale, who shared a locker room with Alonso in the past, believes the coach will not hesitate to make difficult decisions to lead the club to success. After a season without titles under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso returns to Real Madrid with the mission of revitalizing the team and returning it to the path of victory. Bale, winner of five Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles with the club, spoke about the expectations placed on Alonso.

“I think, if you analyze what he did in Leverkusen, yes, and now he probably has better players to work with and I imagine a bigger checkbook,” Bale stated.

Gareth Bale

Bale also highlighted the importance of Alonso earning the respect of the players and that they play for him. The former player expects big changes and that the team plays the way Alonso wants, without fear of benching those who do not meet expectations. The Real Madrid has already incorporated two outstanding signings this off-season: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. However, both players were unable to participate in the last match of the 2024-25 season, which culminated in a 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals. This defeat put even more pressure on Kylian Mbappé, who arrived at Real Madrid from PSG. Despite Mbappé being LaLiga’s top scorer with 31 goals, the team did not achieve any title. Bale commented on Mbappé’s situation, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation: “It’s difficult because he keeps scoring goals, he keeps doing good things, they just haven’t won anything this season. At Real Madrid, you’re expected to win everything, so it’s difficult because he’s still performing on the field, but maybe he’s not having those moments.”

Bale also spoke about the departure of Luka Modrić, a legendary player who joined the club in 2012 and who will now move to AC Milan at the age of 39. Bale praised Modrić’s qualities, highlighting his incredible skill and longevity in football. Bale and Alonso shared a season together, winning the Champions League in 2013-14. Bale hopes Alonso has the same success as a coach and recalled his passion for football and his dedication on the training ground. “He was very meticulous with everything and very demanding. So yes, I hope he does a great job now at Real Madrid,” he concluded.