Alonso is a very intelligent guy, he was a fantastic footballer too so my early thoughts are that he will do well at Real Madrid.
The thing is though, Real do not accept failure. He needs to start well or the pressure will seriously on.
This is a serious challenge Xabi Alonso will forget all the intelligence he has.
Xabi Alonso not only coaches like a club but Xabi also coaches demands with a high level of prestige.
We just wish Xabi Alonso success at the Santiago Bernabeu. At least he can still be and deserves to be considered an intelligent person.