Xabi Alonso will more than likely succeed at Real Madrid. Combine emotional intelligence (EQ), cognitive intelligence (IQ), high agency, and technical proficiency, and you have a potent formula for success in any profession. Alonso checks all these boxes.
Morgan Housel describes it best:
> _**“Some people are intelligent but don’t have a lick of smarts. Their ability to succeed in the world might surprise you on the downside.**_
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> _**Others lack intelligence but gush smarts. Their potential will surprise you on the upside.**_
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> _**On rare occasions, you meet people who are both intelligent and smart. They run laps around everyone.”**_
Xabi Alonso belongs to this rare breed. Hand individuals like him the keys, and they’ll manage the rest. Does this guarantee Alonso will deliver a treble or another three-peat at Real Madrid? No. The statistical likelihood of achieving those feats is very low. Yet, success—even for Real Madrid supporters—can be measured and defined in many ways. After nearly 15 years under one of Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, or Zidane as coach, Alonso now has the chance not only to secure trophies but also to put his unique stamp on the team, injecting innovation into what has occasionally felt stale and repetitive.
What other success metrics outside of trophies could define Alonso’s tenure? First, there’s the integration of academy prospects. Madrid supporters have been eager for more homegrown talent to form as part of the first team. The pride and emotional bond formed when “one of your own” breaks into the first team is unparalleled, there is an indescribable connection between fans, players, and the club. Alonso’s past experience coaching in Madrid’s youth ranks and his close friendship with the new Castilla manager Alvaro Arbeloa sets a solid foundation for prioritizing Real Madrid’s youth prospects.
Additionally, success can come from alignment between club strategy and managerial execution. In the past, the club’s transfer policies have sometimes clashed with managerial priorities. Or as Carlo called it, “sporting objectives”. Alonso’s tenure will be judged by his ability to integrate and develop emerging talents like Arda and Endrick. Equally critical will be finding a tactical framework that maximizes key assets like Mbappe and Vinicius.
In his introductory press conference as Real Madrid manager, Alonso clearly stated his intent: _“I want the team to convey emotion and energy, play ambitiously, and connect with the fans.”_ For Alonso, success could be measured by the lasting emotional imprint his team leaves on supporters—similar to Mourinho’s lightning-fast counter-attacks, Ancelotti’s 4-4-2 featuring Isco, Kroos, Modric, and James, or Zidane’s diamond formation. Coming from a season where the squad often appeared devoid of soul or identity, Alonso has the perfect platform to craft a distinctive, memorable style.
Ultimately, Alonso can guide Real Madrid into a tactically modern era while balancing the freedom that characterized the club’s most successful sides. It seems the club has already begun supporting their manager’s vision, with Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold onboarded and expected additions of Alvaro Carreras and Nico Paz. Equipped with the right resources and trust from the club hierarchy, Xabi Alonso can do more than win games.