Carlo Ancelotti’s seat at Real Madrid looks solid, but a persistent rumour is threatening his future. On the horizon, Xabi Alonso is emerging as the unexpected favourite to take over the reins at Madrid. But Madrid tabloid Marca made a disturbing revelation on Saturday.
Real Madrid are going through a turbulent season. On the one hand, Carlo Ancelotti has just picked up some crucial UEFA Champions League wins. On the other, his record in La Liga has suffered a few setbacks, particularly in the face of competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Fans are wondering: Will Ancelotti stay beyond the current season? The Spanish media, and MARCA in particular, are fuelling speculation about his future.
The Italian coach is no stranger to the Spanish capital. He has already won three Champions Leagues and established his reputation as a calm and experienced strategist. However, his tactical decisions and squad management have recently been called into question. At times, the team has looked less than serene, especially in the league, where Barcelona have returned to share the lead.
According to MARCA, Xabi Alonso’s name is being bandied about behind the scenes. The former midfielder, who wore the Merengue shirt for five years, is now coach of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. His work there is widely admired: he has rapidly transformed the team into a title contender, with a polished and aggressive style of play.
Some observers consider him the ideal successor to Carlo Ancelotti: a calm leader, a Real Madrid legend and a promising tactician. His contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until 2026, proof of the trust placed in him by the German club. But the call of the Casa Blanca remains strong: he was forged at the Santiago Bernabéu, and his knowledge of the Madrid institution is a major asset.
No official offer from Real Madrid for Xabi Alonso
For the moment, there is no concrete offer. Spanish media outlet MARCA points out that the Spanish and European champions have not yet formally contacted Xabi Alonso. The Real Madrid directors prefer to keep their focus on the current season. The main objective? Maintain the momentum in the UEFA Champions League and win back La Liga if the opportunity arises, despite the threat of Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti himself does not seem worried. He knows that only sporting performance will decide his future. The directors are being patient: they will judge the outcome of the season before making a decision. What’s more, Madrid’s management have a tradition of not making anything official during the title race. This avoids upsetting the dressing room and sowing doubt in people’s minds. On the German side, the situation remains calm. Bayer Leverkusen have no doubts about Xabi Alonso’s loyalty to their project. Under his stewardship, the club won the Bundesliga title last season and remain well placed in the Champions League, where they will meet Bayern Munich in the last 16.
The Bayer Leverkusen directors see Alonso as the key to their long-term success. They point out that they still have ambitious goals to achieve, namely to ensure their continued presence in the European Cup, develop their young talent and continue their winning run. The club is therefore not afraid of an immediate departure, especially as no official offer is on the table.
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