Who's Next for Real Madrid's Hot Seat? Carlo Ancelotti Puts the Spotlight on Xabi Alonso
Ancelotti addresses Alonso in a candid conversation
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The clock is ticking for Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract with Real Madrid expires in 2026, but with whispers of replacement swimming in the air, one man steps into the limelight: Xabi Alonso. Ancelotti showers praise upon his 43-year-old tough contender.
The exit of Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen has left the football world buzzing, and Ancelotti shares his thoughts on the coach's future. Ahead of the Clásico against FC Barcelona on Sunday (4:15 PM/DAZN), Ancelotti stated, "All doors are open for him because he's one of the best coaches in the world"[1].
Ancelotti shies away from revealing his own future plans in Madrid. Rumors have circulated that Alonso could replace the 65-year-old in the capital. Ancelotti made it clear that he would disclose his intentions after Real's final league game.
Ancelotti applauds Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to its maiden Bundesliga trophy and DFB-Pokal in 2024, for his "extraordinary job"[1]. Overseeing Real's disappointing Champions League quarter-finals exit and the final defeat in the Spanish Cup has put Ancelotti under immense pressure. Victories against Barcelona in their upcoming Clásico and preventing a seven-point gap may prove to be his last chance before assuming the title of the championship.
Sports world stirsThough Ancelotti still holds a contract with Real until next season, speculations of his impending departure as the next Brazilian national coach have been rife. Spanish media reports hint that he will bid farewell to Madrid following their underwhelming season[1]. Having coached Real twice in the past, first in 2013-2015, Ancelotti's second stint with the royals saw him conquering the Champions League in 2014, 2022, and 2024.
Choking up when expressing his sentiments towards Real, Ancelotti declared, "Real Madrid, like Milan before, are the teams that have remained loyal to me in the time I have had"[1]. The Italian coach shared his affection for the club, revealing that his bond with Real Madrid would persist for as long as he breathes.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/dpa/sid
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Xabi Alonso
- Transfers and Rumors
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Football
- Real Madrid
Insights:- Overview: Xabi Alonso, lauded as the front-runner to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, boasts impressive experience leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024 and an astoundishing 51-game unbeaten streak[1][2].- Connection: Real Madrid seems drawn to Alonso due to his deep ties to the club and his current flourishing coaching career[2].- Timing: Any significant coaching changes in Real Madrid may occur at the end of the season[1] to avoid jeopardizing their La Liga title prospects.- Acknowledgment: Ancelotti's gesture of praising Alonso lends credence to the belief that Alonso is the long-term choice to lead Real Madrid[1].
I'm not sure if Carlo Ancelotti will remain the coach of Real Madrid after 2026, as Xabi Alonso, a highly regarded football coach, has emerged as a potential candidate to replace him. Ancelotti, the current Real Madrid coach, has been praiseworthy of Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga trophy in 2024. Despite Ancelotti's hesitance to discuss his future plans, whispers suggest that Alonso could take over in the capital. While Ancelotti has expressed his deep connection to Real Madrid, the speculation of his impending departure as the next Brazilian national coach has been widespread.
