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Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid Staff: Two Former Barça Coaches and a La Fábrica Veteran
The new Real Madrid manager brings in trusted figures, including a former academy coach and two assistants with Barça roots.
Sebastián Parrilla, Alonso’s Right-Hand Man
Xabi Alonso was officially introduced as the new head coach of Real Madrid, and he didn’t arrive alone. During the presentation at Valdebebas, he was joined by key members of his coaching staff, led by Argentine assistant Sebastián Parrilla, who will serve as his right-hand man.
Their relationship dates back to 2018, when they worked together in Real Madrid’s youth academy. Since then, they have continued as a tandem at Real Sociedad B and Bayer Leverkusen. With 17 years of experience in “La Fábrica,” Parrilla now returns to the club where he shaped his coaching career.
Born in La Plata, Parrilla moved to Spain at a young age and built his professional path within Real Madrid’s youth system. His close bond with Alonso makes him an essential piece in this new chapter for Los Blancos.
From Mataró to Valdebebas: The Blaugrana Connection
Alongside Parrilla, the coaching team includes Alberto Encinas, Ismael Cameforte-López, and Beñat Labaien—all professionals that Alonso trusts completely.
Encinas, originally from Mataró, worked in the FC Barcelona academy and was an assistant to Xavi García Pimienta with the B team. He later joined Bayer Leverkusen, where he met Alonso and became part of his staff as a technical assistant.
Cameforte-López holds a degree from the University of Barcelona and has solid experience as a fitness coach, with previous roles at New York City FC, the Denmark national team, and most recently, at Leverkusen. He will now strengthen Real Madrid's physical preparation department.
Beñat Labaien, who had a previous stint in Real Madrid’s academy and also worked at Real Sociedad, will take over tactical analysis. He was the lead analyst for Imanol Alguacil and recently worked with Miguel Ángel Ramírez at Zaragoza.
Xabi Alonso’s coaching team at Real Madrid blends youth, experience, and a modern approach to the game. With a mix of former Barça and Madrid staff, this backroom team brings a dynamic perspective to what promises to be a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
