Xabi Alonso has officially told his Bayer Leverkusen players he will leave the club at the end of the season. Real Madrid is expected to name him their next head coach soon, once Carlo Ancelotti’s exit becomes official. This move marks a major change at one of football’s biggest clubs, as a former Madrid star prepares to take charge.
Alonso Set to Return as Real Madrid Manager
Real Madrid is entering a new chapter. Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful coach in the club’s history, is preparing to take over as Brazil’s national team coach. In his place, former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso will take the reins. Alonso’s rise as a manager has been fast and impressive.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso led the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title, finishing the season unbeaten. He also guided them to win the German Cup, earning respect across Europe. His calm leadership, clear tactics, and strong connection with players have made him a top coaching name in record time.
Why Alonso Fits Real Madrid’s Plans
Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, sees Alonso as the future of the club. A fan favorite during his playing days, Alonso now returns to lead a new generation. But this job won’t be easy. Madrid has high expectations, and the team is in transition.
Alonso will work with big stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., both of whom want to be the team’s top player. He must also bring in young talents like Endrick and Arda Güler. Balancing all these names will be tough. Winning trophies will be expected from day one.
End of Ancelotti’s Era
Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid in 2021. At the time, the club was struggling. The stadium was under renovation, the squad was aging, and confidence was low. But Ancelotti quickly brought back success. He won both La Liga and the Champions League in his first year back.
In total, Ancelotti won 15 trophies with Real Madrid—more than any other coach in the club’s history. He was known for his calm style, his ability to manage big egos, and his steady hand during hard times. Fans will always respect him, even as he prepares to lead Brazil.
Behind the Decision to Move On
Despite his success, signs of change had been building. Tensions grew behind the scenes. Some board members felt that Ancelotti’s calm style was no longer working. Younger players felt left out, and the squad’s energy seemed to fade.
Ancelotti had also asked for new signings, such as England right-back Kyle Walker, but the club refused. Key players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić are nearing retirement, and new stars have yet to fully step up. These issues made it clear: Real Madrid needed a fresh start.
Dressing Room Problems and Pressure
There were also problems in the locker room. Reports suggested that Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. were not always on the same page. Both wanted to be the face of the team. This caused tension, and other players noticed it. On the field, they sometimes avoided passing to each other during big matches.
Ancelotti, known for managing strong personalities, found this group harder than most. Pre-match meetings became quiet and tense. He remained loyal in public, but privately admitted this was one of the toughest squads he’d handled.
A New Leader, A New Start
Xabi Alonso walks into a pressure-filled job. But he also brings a fresh approach. His work in Germany shows he can handle big games and tough players. He has used modern tactics, strong team talks, and clear plans to turn Leverkusen into a top club.
Real Madrid hopes he can do the same in Spain. If he succeeds, it could mark the start of a long, successful era. If he struggles, the pressure will be immediate. Madrid fans are known for being demanding, and the media will be watching closely.
What Happens Next?
Real Madrid still has a few games left this season. A key match against Barcelona could decide if they still have a chance at the league title. If they lose, the end of the season might feel like the end of an era. But fans will get a chance to say goodbye to Ancelotti and thank him for everything.
After the season, the plan is simple: Ancelotti moves on to Brazil, and Alonso steps in. There’s also talk that a former player, like Santi Solari, might manage the Club World Cup squad in the meantime.
The Future of Davide Ancelotti
One part of this story that’s not finished is what happens to Davide Ancelotti. He’s Carlo’s son and also his assistant. He has gained a good reputation in Europe and may soon get a chance to lead his own team. Several clubs are interested in him, and this summer could be the moment he steps out on his own.
Xabi Alonso’s return to Real Madrid as head coach marks the start of a bold new era. He faces many challenges but also brings great promise. Real Madrid fans will be watching closely as one legend exits and another takes charge. The Bernabéu bench is ready for a fresh voice—and Alonso looks ready to lead.