Carlo Ancelotti has been navigating a challenging period as head coach of Real Madrid, facing intense scrutiny after a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign.
This underwhelming beginning to the season has raised concerns, especially given that Real Madrid are defending both their La Liga title and their status as European champions.
Ancelotti’s tenure at the club was initially set to last until 2026, with a contract in place to reflect that commitment. However, despite this arrangement, speculation is growing that Real Madrid’s patience with the Italian coach might wear thin if the team’s performance does not improve, opening the door for his potential exit sooner than anticipated.
If Real Madrid do decide to part ways with Ancelotti, former club legend Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate to step into his shoes. Alonso, who has been managing Bayer Leverkusen, made headlines by guiding the German club to its first-ever Bundesliga title last season. Although Leverkusen’s current season has not been as smooth, Alonso remains highly respected within Real Madrid’s hierarchy.
His former connections to the club, coupled with his recent coaching success, have positioned him as a desirable successor, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly among those keen on bringing him back to Madrid.
Alonso’s potential arrival at Real Madrid could happen as early as next summer, according to a report by Eurosport. Despite having a contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2026, there are indications that Alonso may be planning to move on at the end of this season.
Should he leave, he would not be the only notable departure from Leverkusen. Spanish defender Alejandro Grimaldo is also expected to leave the German side, possibly joining Alonso in his next venture.
While Alonso’s appointment at Real Madrid is not confirmed, the trajectory of his career and his links to the club suggest that he will likely take over at some point. With Real Madrid’s ambitions at stake, the club’s leadership appears eager to secure a manager who can inspire success and stability.
Ancelotti’s immediate future is under scrutiny, and while he still has time to turn the season around, the lure of a fresh, promising candidate like Alonso may eventually prove too strong to resist.
For now, it appears that Alonso’s path will eventually lead him back to Madrid, where he once played as a key figure. If Real Madrid’s management decides on a change, Alonso’s recent accomplishments and his deep-rooted connections to the club make him the favored choice.
In 2025, it will become clearer whether this transition materializes, but if Real’s performance continues to dip, Alonso’s arrival could indeed come sooner rather than later.
