Xabi Alonso is returning to Real Madrid with the former midfielder taking over as coach from Carlo Ancelotti and leading the team at the upcoming Club World Cup.Veteran midfielder Luka Modric's departure after the Club World Cup means Alonso will be losing yet more poise,

The 65-year-old Ancelotti is departing after four mostly successful seasons with Madrid. He bid a tearful farewell on Saturday in the team’s final match of the Spanish league season. Ancelotti’s contract was to end at the end of next season, but the club confirmed his departure on Friday after he had already been announced as the next Brazil coach.

Alonso, who signed a three-year deal, will start immediately and coach his first games at the Club World Cup in June