Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid Tenure: Challenges and Potential Successors

Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint as the head coach of Real Madrid has been marked by significant success, with the Italian winning nearly every possible trophy. However, as the season progresses, it feels like this cycle might come to an end. There were strong rumors linking Ancelotti to the Brazil national team coaching role, while Real Madrid has also been linked with several potential managers.

Despite recent criticism, Ancelotti deserves credit for his achievements. However, it’s crucial to recognize the challenging circumstances he faces at Real Madrid. Unlike his first stint, where he had one of the best squads in Europe, Ancelotti now has limited options, particularly in the center-forward position. He has had to adjust his system to maximize the potential of the available players.

Injuries have also plagued the squad, with key players like Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao potentially sidelined for the entire season. Vinicius Junior has been out with an injury since last month, and Arda Guler, a summer signing, has faced injury setbacks without making a single appearance. These challenges would pose difficulties for any manager.

Recent reports suggest that Xabi Alonso has emerged as a favorite to replace Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager from the next season. Ancelotti has spoken positively about Alonso, highlighting his high-level football knowledge and impressive coaching skills. Alonso has been successful with Bayer Leverkusen, where his team competes in the Bundesliga, currently sitting second in the table.

Alonso’s connection to Real Madrid as a former player, coupled with his promising coaching career, makes him a strong candidate for the manager’s role. However, the situation in football can change rapidly, and the success of Bayer Leverkusen and Alonso’s continued growth as a manager will play a crucial role in determining his suitability for the Real Madrid job.