As the season draws to a close, it is a certainty that Carlo Ancelotti will step away from his role as head coach of Real Madrid. With only the LaLiga title left to compete for after their exit from the UEFA Champions League and a bitter defeat in the Copa del Rey against FC Barcelona, the spotlight is now on the club’s search for a new manager.
Ancelotti has reached a contractual agreement with the Brazilian national team, which has led Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to set his sights on potential successors, including former player Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso, currently coaching Bayer Leverkusen, is one of the frontrunners to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu. Also in the mix is Jürgen Klopp, who has garnered interest from the club hierarchy. In the interim, Real Madrid officials are considering appointing Santiago Solari or Álvaro Arbeloa to take charge temporarily until a permanent solution is found. Recent reports have shed light on Alonso’s current stance regarding his future, adding to the intrigue.
Eduardo Inda, director of OK Diario and a prominent sports journalist, revealed that “Xabi Alonso has spoken with the Bayer Leverkusen squad and told them he will not be with them next season.” He added that while Alonso did not specify his destination, he made it clear he would not continue coaching the German club. The growing anticipation surrounding Alonso’s potential move to Madrid has fans and analysts alike speculating about the next chapter for both the coach and the team.
The Timeline for Transition
With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, managed by either Solari or Arbeloa, Real Madrid’s preference appears to be to announce the new head coach in July. This timing suggests that the decision will be finalized only after the tournament concludes in the United States.
There’s a distinct focus on maintaining the club’s image and stability during this transitional phase. The organizational strategy from Real Madrid will play a crucial role in determining how swiftly they can implement this change while still respecting the legacy of Ancelotti.
Alonso Responds to Speculation
In the lead-up to Bayer Leverkusen’s match against St. Pauli, Xabi Alonso addressed the swirling rumors about the Real Madrid coaching position during a press conference. When asked about the possibility of becoming the next head coach, he emphasized the importance of remaining focused on the present, saying, “There is nothing to decide at this moment. I just need to analyze how we will prepare for the important match against St. Pauli. It’s not a good time to speak too much about the future because we are in a crucial part of the season and want to maintain concentration as long as possible.”
Despite persistent questioning from the media regarding the implications of Real Madrid’s early Champions League exit, Alonso maintained his diplomatic approach. “This is not an important subject for me right now. I don’t want to discuss speculations or rumors about the future. I understand soccer, and I know what’s happening, but I don’t want to talk about these matters.”