Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has officially welcomed Xabi Alonso back to La Liga, as the Spanish tactician prepares to take over the reins at Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season.
With Carlo Ancelotti stepping down to manage the Brazil national team, the summer marks a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu. Alonso, who recently led Bayer Leverkusen to historic heights in the Bundesliga, is set to be unveiled on May 26 as Madrid’s new head coach on a three-year contract.
🇪🇸 La Liga’s Next Tactical Rivalry: Flick vs. Alonso
Alonso’s first challenge will be the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament where Real Madrid will aim for global dominance. However, in domestic competition, he’ll be immediately tested by Hansi Flick, who had a dominant record against Ancelotti during the 2024/25 campaign.
Flick won all four El Clasico matchups last season — including two in La Liga, and two finals: Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup — cementing a season of clear superiority over Real Madrid.
Now, Alonso will have the task of flipping that narrative in his favor.
Flick Sends Classy Message to Alonso
Speaking after Barcelona’s final league match of the season — a 3-0 win over Athletic Club — Hansi Flick praised Alonso’s managerial rise and welcomed his return to Spanish football.
“It’s no surprise [to see him in Madrid]. I know him. I’ve spoken with him. I know his philosophy, and we’ve seen the success he’s achieved in Germany,” Flick said via Marca.
“His level at Bayer Leverkusen has been very good. He’s improved the level of many players. I like seeing him here.”
The respect is clear, but that mutual admiration will be put aside once the new campaign begins.
When Is the First El Clasico of 2025/26?
The first showdown between Flick and Alonso will come in La Liga, with fixture announcements expected in July. The new league season is scheduled to begin in mid-August 2025.
Since Barcelona will not be participating in the Club World Cup, there won’t be a summer Clasico unless pre-season friendlies bring them together.
Interestingly, the two never met in Bundesliga competition, as Flick had already left Bayern Munich before Alonso took charge at Leverkusen. Their connection stems mainly from Flick’s time coaching the Germany national team, where he closely observed Alonso’s work.
Author’s Take – From a Madridista’s Heart
As a lifelong Madridista, I’m truly excited to see Xabi Alonso return home. This isn’t just another coaching change — it’s the return of a club legend, someone who embodies Madridismo both as a player and now as a tactician.
Hansi Flick might have had our number last season, but I believe Alonso will bring back that relentless competitive edge to El Clasico. He’s modern, ambitious, and Madrid through and through.
It’s a new chapter — and I, like millions of fans, will be cheering from the first whistle.
Hala Madrid y Nada Más!