Is Ancelotti Hanging Up His Whistle at Real Madrid? The Rising Star, Xabi Alonso, Is Stepping Up
Coach Ancelotti addresses Xabi Alonso privately
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With his contract in Madrid running until 2026, there's a buzz that Carlo Ancelotti might be swapping the touchline for a comfy couch this summer. Xabi Alonso, on the other hand, seems primed for the hot seat. Ancelotti showers accolades on his former teammate.
After officially bidding farewell to Bayer Leverkusen, the spotlight has shifted to Xabi Alonso's potential coaching career in the Spanish capital. When asked about the 43-year-old's future, Ancelotti offers, "All doors are wide open for him, as he's proven himself to be one of the world's best coaches." This comes ahead of the impending Clásico against FC Barcelona (16:15 CET/DAZN, ntv.de live ticker). Ancelotti has kept tight-lipped about his own sporting future. Rumors swirl that Alonso could be the one to displace the 65-year-old at Real. Ancelotti had previously stated he'd share his plans following Real's last league game.
Ancelotti gives kudos to Alonso's tenure at Leverkusen, which saw the club clinching the championship and DFB-Pokal last season. "He's done a marvelous job there," Ancelotti praises. Recent setbacks—a Champions League quarter-final elimination and a Spanish Cup final loss to Barcelona—have put pressure on Ancelotti. An unfortunate defeat against their arch-rivals and a 7-point chasm in the league could also sound the death knell for their title dreams.
Leaving Leverkusen Behind:Though Ancelotti still has a contract with Real until the next season, murmurs of him becoming the next Brazil national team coach have been loud. Spanish media whispers suggest that he plans to leave Madrid after a lackluster season. Ancelotti has been with the Royals since 2021, having previously coached them from 2013 to 2015. He led the team to Champions League wins in 2014, 2022, and 2024.
Sentimentally, Ancelotti reflects on the bond he shares with Real Madrid. "I believe Real Madrid, like Milan before, have stood by me throughout the years," he remarks. "To begin with, there's passion, and when that wanes, other feelings surface—a feeling of tenderness. My honeymoon with Real Madrid will last as long as I live."
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/dpa/sid
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Xabi Alonso
- Transfer Rumors and Speculation
- Jürgen Klopp
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Football
- Real Madrid
- Enrichment Data Insights:Xabi Alonso's exceptional managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen sees him as a strong contender for the Real Madrid coaching position. He led the team to their first Bundesliga title in 2024 and a notable 51-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Other contenders include Jürgen Klopp, who gained success with Liverpool. Alonso's ties to Real Madrid and his recent accomplishments at Leverkusen strengthen his claim for the role. However, no official decisions have been announced regarding Ancelotti's future and potential replacements.
- The rumors persist that Carlo Ancelotti might decide to retire from coaching at Real Madrid this summer.
- Ancelotti, who has been with Real Madrid since 2021, has shown appreciation for Xabi Alonso's coaching skills, stating, "All doors are wide open for him."
- As speculation about Ancelotti's future at Real Madrid continues, Xabi Alonso could potentially take over in 2024, as he has established himself as one of the world's top coaches during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen.
- Despite Ancelotti's sentiment for Real Madrid and his successful past coaching stints, his future with the team remains unclear.
