Real Madrid’s Future Manager Selection Is Already Made
Carlo Ancelotti Under Scrutiny as Xabi Alonso Emerges as Potential Successor
Following Real Madrid’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, questions are surfacing regarding Carlo Ancelotti’s future as the head coach, despite the club’s strong start to the season. It appears that Real Madrid may already be considering their next manager.
Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a successful first season back at Real Madrid, securing a La Liga and Champions League double. However, the subsequent season saw inconsistent league performance and a disappointing exit from the Champions League in the semi-finals against Manchester City. They did manage to win the Copa del Rey.
Before the defeat to Atletico, Real Madrid had maintained a flawless record for the season, which had been in Ancelotti’s favor. Nevertheless, the tide has quickly turned.
According to reports from MARCA, journalist Matias Prats stated on Radio MARCA:
“The frontrunner to replace Ancelotti next year is Xabi Alonso.”
Xabi Alonso has led Bayer Leverkusen to an impressive start this season, with the team currently second in the Bundesliga after five games. They share the same points as league leaders Bayern Munich and are only behind on goal difference, even after Thomas Tuchel’s side won 7-0 over the weekend.
Rumors linking Alonso to the Real Madrid managerial position have circulated for several months. The Spaniard has excelled since taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen in October of the previous year and is seen as an ideal candidate for the Santiago Bernabeu hot seat.
Alonso recently signed a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen, which runs until the summer of 2026. This could potentially pose a hurdle for Real Madrid, but if the Spanish giants are determined to secure his services, it may not be an insurmountable obstacle.