Real Madrid has been holding its breath in recent hours. Carlo Ancelotti was rumoured to be leaving the Madrid bench at the end of the season. But a clear denial has allayed concerns.
Onda Cero dropped a media bombshell on Monday afternoon. According to the Spanish media outlet, the Italian coach has decided to leave, paving the way for the arrival of one of the club’s former coaches, Xabi Alonso, now in charge of Bayer Leverkusen. It was enough to make the football world sit up and take notice, but it also fuelled doubts about Real Madrid’s stability.
However, Filippo Ricci, a well-informed journalist with La Gazzetta dello Sport, was quick to defuse the situation. According to the Italian media man, there is no basis for these rumours: Ancelotti has never expressed any desire to leave his post.
‘Carlo is happy at Madrid and remains fully committed to honouring his contract until 2026,’ said Ricci. The Real Madrid coach’s compatriot is putting an end to all speculation. This is reassuring for Merengues fans, even if a few sceptics persist in thinking that there could be movement behind the scenes.
No, Carlo Ancelotti no tiene ninguna intención de irse a final de temporada. Está muy a gusto en el Real Madrid.
— Filippo Ricci (@filippomricci) January 20, 2025
Xabi Alonso’s shadow already looms large
While Ancelotti appears to be firmly in place for the time being, rumours are already circulating that there is a certain amount of excitement within the Madrid management. Florentino Pérez and his staff are known for their pragmatism and ability to anticipate transitions. Xabi Alonso, the club’s iconic former midfielder and rising coaching star, is seen as a natural candidate for a future on the Madrid bench.
A hypothesis which, while attractive to some supporters, is still based on fragile foundations. Other names are also circulating, such as Santiago Solari, who has been mooted internally as a temporary solution in the event of a crisis. In any case, the sporting context remains favourable to the Italian coach. Real Madrid are currently dominating La Liga and will be confident of progressing to the Champions League if they beat Salzburg on Wednesday. But at such a demanding club, things can change very quickly. A slip-up in Europe or a loss of rhythm in the league could call Ancelotti’s position into question.
So is Ancelotti really under threat? For the time being, the facts are in his favour. But in Madrid, where the pressure is constant, today’s certainties could become tomorrow’s doubts. The next few months will be decisive in sealing the Italian coach’s future and confirming or denying the rumours that continue to circulate. For the moment, things seem to be calmer. But Real Madrid fans know that, at this club, every moment can hold a surprise.
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