Chema Andres Reflects on Xabi Alonso’s Coaching Debut at Real Madrid

Chema Andres’ journey in football is marked by pivotal encounters and memorable firsts, none more notable than his experience with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. As a talented young midfielder, Andres had the unique privilege of scoring the first-ever goal of the Liverpool legend’s managerial career—an achievement that remains a personal highlight.

Chema Andres: From Real Madrid Youth to Bundesliga Starter

Chema Andres’ football story began in earnest in 2018, when, at only 13, he entered Real Madrid’s renowned academy and met Xabi Alonso, who was just transitioning into coaching. During Alonso’s debut match as Real Madrid Under-14 A manager, Andres found the net, scoring the first goal overseen by the future European champion. “He was my first coach at Real Madrid. We arrived together in the Under-14 A team, and I scored the first goal in the first match on a rebound, which is a bit of a funny story,” Andres shared in a recent interview.

However, it wasn’t just the goal that stuck with him. It was the “spectacular” training sessions, meticulously run by Alonso, that shaped his early development. “When training sessions finished, he would stay behind practicing passes to the goalkeepers or long balls that went straight to their feet; it was spectacular,” Andres recalled. “He would have us practice with him, but of course, there was no comparison between his passes and ours.”

Settling in Stuttgart: Andres’ Bundesliga Rise

Seven years after his Madrid debut, Andres has seamlessly transitioned into a Bundesliga starter with VfB Stuttgart. Following a brief spell with Madrid’s senior squad early in 2025, he moved to Germany’s top flight to secure regular playing time. “Stuttgart is a team that invests heavily in young talent. They aren’t afraid to put young players in the spotlight in high-level matches. They instilled confidence in me a long time ago and presented a project that was interesting to me,” Andres explained.

His initial months have been impressive, showcasing tactical maturity, physical presence, and a passing range that fits perfectly with Stuttgart’s system. Trust from manager Sebastian Hoeness and the sporting director was immediate, and Andres quickly earned a spot in the first team. Despite his rapid on-field adaptation, Andres admits that learning German remains a challenge, though his fluent English helps him communicate with teammates.

Chema Andres and Xabi Alonso: Coaching Influence

The influence of Xabi Alonso continues to guide Andres’ career. The detail and intensity of Alonso’s training sessions at Madrid fostered technical growth and developed the young midfielder’s awareness. “Alonso’s sessions were always focused on precision and vision—qualities I strive to bring to my game in Stuttgart,” Andres noted.

Real Madrid Roots and Future Aspirations

Even after moving abroad, Los Blancos remain an important part of Andres’ journey. He clarifies that his transfer to Stuttgart was not driven by frustration, though a lack of minutes at the Club World Cup influenced his decision. “Limited minutes weren’t the deciding factor, but they did tip the scales. I waited until after the World Cup before making my decision,” he said.

Mentorship from legends like Raul, Alvaro Arbeloa, Lucas Vazquez, and Thibaut Courtois helped shape his mentality, while his grandfather remains a constant source of support. “The poor man still hasn’t been able to see me play in Germany, but he will. He’s a key person in my life; without him, I wouldn’t be here,” Andres reflected.

Contract Details and Madrid’s Faith

Stuttgart see Andres as a long-term anchor in midfield, while Real Madrid have retained a buy-back clause in his current contract—a testament to their belief in his potential. In his first twelve matches for Stuttgart, Andres has already scored and assisted, further underlining his value to the team.

Chema Andres’ Goals for the Season

Looking ahead, Andres keeps his ambitions straightforward: to earn more minutes at Stuttgart, remain a regular with Spain’s Under-21 squad, and end the season stronger than he started. On the prospect of joining Spain’s senior team, Andres remains humble and focused on immediate objectives.

Opinion: The Impact of Early Mentorship

Chema Andres’ trajectory illustrates the profound impact that dedicated mentors and formative experiences can have on a player’s career. Xabi Alonso’s coaching debut and hands-on training sessions not only shaped Andres technically but also instilled the professional habits now evident in the Bundesliga. With continued growth and support, Andres looks poised to become a mainstay in European football.

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