Real Madrid has reportedly already decided on a replacement for current head coach Carlo Ancelotti, with Mundo Deportivo citing anonymous sources. Ancelotti recently became the most successful head coach in Champions League history by leading Real Madrid to their 14th crown in 2022. Currently, the team is through to the quarterfinals of the competition and holds a comfortable lead in La Liga.
President Florentino Perez recently extended Ancelotti’s contract until mid-2026, indicating that there is no intention of parting ways with the Italian coach as long as the team continues to perform well. However, Perez is known for planning ahead and is already thinking about who will take over for Ancelotti. Mundo Deportivo reports that former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has been chosen as the next head coach. Alonso, who won the club’s 10th Champions League title under Ancelotti in 2014, is currently coaching Bayer Leverkusen and is on track to win the Bundesliga title this season.
Alonso recently announced his decision to stay with Bayer Leverkusen beyond the current season, despite speculation about his future. He signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2026, coinciding with the end of Ancelotti’s contract at Real Madrid. This decision is a blow to Bayern Munich and Liverpool, two clubs currently without a head coach for next season. Alonso’s contract reportedly includes a release clause that could be activated in 2025, but it is unclear when Real Madrid plans to bring him back to the Bernabeu.
It is speculated that Real Madrid may wait until 2026 to bring Alonso back to the club, allowing for a smooth transition from Ancelotti to Alonso. This would require an agreement between Perez and Alonso, ensuring that both parties are on board with the plan. If this agreement is reached, it would benefit both Real Madrid and Leverkusen, as well as potentially keeping Ancelotti and his current team content. Overall, the future of Real Madrid’s coaching staff looks to be in good hands with the potential succession plan in place.