Xabi Alonso's Potential Reign: Carlo Ancelotti Hints at Real Successor Role
Coach Ancelotti discusses Xabi Alonso in a forthright manner
Take a peek at the future of Real Madrid's coaching bench as Carlo Ancelotti hints at Xabi Alonso taking the reins. His contract runs until 2026, but whispers of a change are in the air.
After confirmation of Xabi Alonso's exit from Bayer Leverkusen, Ancelotti shed light on the influential football coach's future prospects. "With a world-class coach like Xabi, all possibilities are on the table. He's demonstrated his coaching prowess on the global stage," Ancelotti announced before the Clásico against FC Barcelona.
Alonso's name has been circulating as a potential replacement for Ancelotti, who is speculated to be the next Brazilian national team coach[3]. The Spanish media suggests that Ancelotti may depart from Madrid following their disappointing season. Ancelotti, on the royals' payroll since 2021, has previously coached Real from 2013 to 2015, clinching the Champions League in 2014, 2022, and 2024[3].
Ancelotti played up the remarkable achievements at Leverkusen, calling it "a remarkable feat." With Real's bitter elimination in the Champions League quarterfinals and their crushing loss in the Spanish Cup, Ancelotti is feeling the heat. Another defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals, Barcelona, and a sizable point gap could mean the end of their league title aspirations[4].
Football WhispersDespite Ancelotti's contract with Real running until next season, rumors of his departure have been persistent. With a potential change on the horizon, the search is on for Bayer Leverkusen's new head coach. The race for the coveted position presents several competitive candidates[5].
In a heartfelt statement, Ancelotti expressed his enduring affection for Real Madrid. "Real Madrid, much like Milan before, has stood by my side during trying times. Initially, it was the passion that drew me in, but as time passed, so did other feelings—feelings of tenderness. My connection to Real Madrid shall forever endure," said Ancelotti[4].
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/dpa/sid, BBC Sport, Goal.com
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Xabi Alonso
- Coaching Future
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Real Madrid
- Football
[1] BBC Sport. (2025). Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid manager. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59828785
[2] Goal.com. (2025). Xabi Alonso emerges as prime candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/xabi-alonso-prime-candidate-replacing-carlo-ancelotti-at-real-madrid/blt72287078dcb9d58c
[3] The Guardian. (2025). Carlo Ancelotti leaves Real Madrid to succeed Tite as Brazil manager. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/07/carlo-ancelotti-real-madrid-brazil-tite
[4] CBS Sports. (2025). Real Madrid suffer defeat in Clásico: A sign of things to come for Carlo Ancelotti as Xabi Alonso speculation grows? Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/real-madrid-suffer-defeat-in-clasico-a-sign-of-things-to-come-for-carlo-ancelotti-as-xabi-alonso-speculation-grows/
[5] Sky Sports. (2025). Bayer Leverkusen seek coach to replace Xabi Alonso. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11469/12467863/bayer-leverkusen-seek-coach-to-replace-xabi-alonso
- Despite the contract renewal of Carlo Ancelotti with Real Madrid, rumors persist of a potential change due to his supposed departure.
- According to the speculation, Xabi Alonso might be replacing Ancelotti given his impressive coaching record at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and his tenure with Real Madrid in the past.
- Ancelotti coached Real Madrid from 2013 to 2015 and led the team to victory in the Champions League in 2014, 2022, and 2024.
- With Alonso's exit from Bayer Leverkusen, the race is heating up for the position of head coach, with various contenders in contention.
