Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid is drawing to a dramatic close, with his exit now only a matter of formalities—set to be finalised shortly after the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona. According to multiple sources, the club has reached a verbal agreement with Ancelotti to part ways, bringing an end to an era that has seen both glory and growing pressure.
Despite lifting two La Liga titles and securing a trio of Champions League triumphs across both of his stints with the club, Ancelotti has faced mounting scrutiny in recent months. A brutal 4–0 defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabéu, followed by a crushing 5–2 loss in the Spanish Super Cup final, have reportedly shaken the club’s confidence in his leadership. Tensions have also risen around his handling of Real Madrid’s young stars, leading many within the hierarchy to believe it’s time for a fresh direction.
And that new direction has a familiar face.
Xabi Alonso, a beloved former midfielder and current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has agreed to a three-year deal to become the next Real Madrid manager. The 42-year-old has taken the Bundesliga by storm, guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten league title and a DFB Pokal victory—an achievement that has not gone unnoticed in Madrid. He’s now set to officially begin his reign on May 25.
However, questions linger over who will manage the team in the interim, including during the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Santiago Solari, another former Madrid man, is reportedly being considered for the caretaker role until Alonso takes over.
As for Ancelotti, his next chapter could be even grander. The veteran Italian is widely expected to take charge of Brazil’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup—adding another elite role to a career already rich in prestige.
El Clásico may mark the end of one Madrid legend’s journey, but it could also be the prologue to another. Are Los Blancos ready for the Xabi Alonso era?
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