Real Madrid is going through a difficult period within the season. The results are not what they expected and the team has shown signs of weakness during mathces.
Although Carlo Ancelotti is a highly respected and fan-loved coach, the team's performance is not up to the club's history and expectations. This decline has caused concern both among the board and the fans, who always expect the best from their team.
Carlo Ancelotti, who's highly regarded for his successes, is facing rumors about a possible change in office. Although the Italian coach has a contract until 2026, club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly already thinking about his successor.
Florentino Pérez has a Plan
Real Madrid's boss, known for his strategic vision and calculated moves, seems to have a clear idea of who the next manager should be: Xabi Alonso. The former Real Madrid player and current Bayer Leverkusen coach is considered by Florentino as the ideal candidate to lead the team.
Although Raúl González, a club legend and current Castilla coach, was the favorite for the job, Florentino is clearly betting on Xabi Alonso.
The president of Real Madrid is not only looking for a coach with a deep knowledge of modern soccer, but also someone who understands the culture and history of Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso stands out in regard to the latteer.
Xabi Alonso's Killing it in Leverkusen
Since his arrival at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has transformed the German team. His stats are overwhelming: the team plays high-level soccer with a balanced and offensive tactical style that has attracted the attention of many.
Under his leadership, Leverkusen has improved in both defense and offense, becoming one of the most solid teams in the Bundesliga.
Florentino Pérez sees Xabi Alonso as a coach capable of leading Real Madrid into a new era of success, even surpassing Guardiola's golden era at Barcelona. His knowledge of the club, his experience as an elite player and his recent success in the dugout make him the perfect choice.
The Right Time?
Although Xabi Alonso is eager to return to Real Madrid and take over as coach at some point, both him and Florentino know that the time is not right.
Carlo Ancelotti is still in charge of the team and, despite the current results, the Italian feels comfortable and happy in Madrid. His relationship with the club and the fans remains strong, and his contract until 2026 gives him a degree of stability that few managers in modern soccer enjoy.
On the other hand, Xabi Alonso is also focused on his project in Germany, where he still has a lot to prove.
The Basque coach knows that coaching Real Madrid is a huge task and doesn't want to rush his arrival. Both Florentino and Xabi Alonso know that, when the right time comes, he'll be the ideal man to take over at Santiago Bernabéu.