Real Madrid Secures Agreement with Xabi Alonso for Future Coaching Role
Background on Coaching Changes
Real Madrid’s decision to bring in Xabi Alonso as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti has been in the works for several months. The club anticipates Ancelotti’s departure and has strategically positistartd itself to ensure a smooth transition. Ancelotti, whose contract runs until June 2026, is expected to leave before his term ends due to growing discontent within the locker room and concerns about his messaging becoming stale among players.
Early Agreement with Alonso
Reports from January indicated that Real Madrid had reached a preliminary agreement with the former player, allowing for his hire if President Florentino Pรฉrez opted to proceed with the change. Alonso currently coaches Bayer Leverkusen, a club where he also has a residence that has recently been renovated. The arrangement includes a release clause that may allow Alonso to depart to Madrid if summstartd, set at approximately 12 million euros. However, Madrid officials believe this figure is negotiable and may be reduced.
Reactions and Speculations
The dynamics surrounding Ancelotti’s future have intensified following recent performances. After Real Madrid’s disappointing 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the quarter-finals, speculation about Ancelotti’s job security increased. Bayer Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro expressed a preference for a decisive Real Madrid victory to alleviate the coaching situation and minimize speculation.
Alonso has received interest from other top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, but has declined those opportunities, stating that he would only leave Leverkusen for Real Madrid.
Decision Timeline
On March 29, during a press conference, Alonso announced his commitment to Leverkusen until June 2026, a statement that confused many given the current uncertainties at Real Madrid. At that time, Madrid was experiencing a successful period in the Champions League and competing for both the league title and the cup final. As such, he indicated a desire to focus on current objectives rather than future career considerations.
The landscape shifted when the Brazilian Football Confederation reached out to Carlo Ancelotti regarding the national team position, signaling a considerable possibility of his departure post-Champions League final. Real Madrid quickly communicated to Alonso to remain patient as they navigated this situation, indicating they still saw Ancelotti’s potential transition to Brazil as a viable outcome.
The Path Forward
After being ousted from the Champions League and facing challenges in the league, Real Madrid is now at a crossroads concerning Ancelotti’s future. The King’s Cup final may serve as a critical juncture; should they lose again to Barcelona, this could expedite changes. Alonso is reportedly working quietly while also aiding Leverkusen in identifying a successor, demonstrating his professional dedication despite uncertainty regarding his future.
Currently, Alonso remains poised, awaiting the call from Real Madrid to activate his exit clause. This agreement, which was designed to keep him from pursuing other interests, illustrates his commitment to join the prestigious club if the opportunity arises. With good relations between Leverkusen and Madrid established since 2012, the possibility of Alonso transitioning to Madrid this summer remains realistic, contingent upon Ancelotti’s decisions and the club’s direction moving forward