Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has delivered a ringing endorsement of Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid’s new manager, expressing complete faith in his fellow Spaniard’s ability to thrive under the enormous pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu.
A deep-rooted admiration
Merino’s support for Alonso stems from a profound respect that began during his formative years as a football fan. Speaking to EFE, the Arsenal star revealed how Alonso became a defining figure for an entire generation of Spanish players.
“As a footballer, he was a reference, an idol for my entire generation who saw them win all those titles with the national team,” Merino explained. The midfielder watched in awe as Alonso helped Spain capture the 2008 European Championship and the historic 2010 World Cup triumph, achievements that left an indelible mark on young Spanish footballers.
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The connection between the two players runs deeper than mere admiration from afar. Both share strong Basque roots, and their paths crossed professionally when Alonso coached Real Sociedad B between 2019 and 2022, coinciding with Merino’s six-year stint at the senior team before his 2024 move to Arsenal.
“We grew up admiring and idolising all these players, and being now fighting for similar things to them is surreal,” Merino reflected, highlighting the surreal nature of competing alongside childhood heroes.
Proven excellence at Bayer Leverkusen
Merino’s confidence in Alonso extends far beyond nostalgic sentiment. The Arsenal midfielder pointed to concrete evidence of Alonso’s managerial brilliance, particularly his transformative work at Bayer Leverkusen.
“As a coach, Xabi is a star,” Merino stated emphatically, using the Spanish expression to convey exceptional ability. He praised Alonso’s capacity to absorb tactical knowledge from his illustrious playing career under world-class managers.
“You can see the influence he has had from all the coaches in his career. He has been a sponge,” Merino observed, recognising how Alonso’s experiences as a player have shaped his coaching philosophy.
The crowning achievement of Alonso’s managerial career came in 2024 when he guided Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, breaking Bayern Munich’s stranglehold on German football. This remarkable feat has convinced Merino that Alonso possesses the credentials for football’s ultimate challenge.
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Ready for the Bernabéu pressure cooker
The 28-year-old Merino believes Alonso’s success at Leverkusen has perfectly prepared him for “the biggest challenge there can be in football – being Real Madrid coach, with all the pressure that entails.”
Drawing from his own experience as a Spain international and Premier League player, Merino understands the mental demands of elite football. His assessment carries considerable weight given his exposure to high-pressure situations at both club and international level.
“I think he is more than prepared and I wish him the best,” Merino declared, expressing unwavering confidence in Alonso’s readiness for the Real Madrid role. The Arsenal star acknowledged the unique pressures associated with managing Los Blancos but remains convinced that Alonso has the necessary qualities to succeed.
However, Merino couldn’t resist adding a competitive edge to his endorsement: “I hope he has many successes, as long as he doesn’t cross paths with us.”
