Real Madrid’s managerial situation has taken centre stage in recent weeks following a turbulent stretch of form that has raised serious questions about Carlo Ancelotti’s future.
Ancelotti under pressure
A shocking 3–0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals has intensified speculation, and one name continues to emerge as a likely successor—Xabi Alonso.
The former Real Madrid midfielder, now head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has built an impressive reputation in Germany. But comments from Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro have added fuel to the fire.
Carro admitted that a convincing win for Real Madrid over Arsenal would have likely cooled down the Alonso-to-Madrid rumours. With Los Blancos faltering, however, it’s natural for links to resurface.
Alonso’s rapid rise at Leverkusen
Alonso, who is under contract with Leverkusen until 2026, has masterminded a remarkable turnaround at the club. After lifting the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in 2023–24, and going 51 matches unbeaten across all competitions, his stock has never been higher. His tactical identity; built around high pressing, quick transitions, and positional discipline, mirrors the philosophy that has historically thrived at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Though Leverkusen currently trail Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and have exited European competition, Alonso’s transformation of the team remains one of the standout stories in recent seasons. From near-relegation when he arrived in 2022 to a historic domestic double just two years later, his rise has been meteoric.
A Madrid icon in waiting
From Real Madrid’s point of view, Alonso represents more than just a promising manager. He’s a club icon with deep ties to the badge, someone who understands the pressure and expectations that come with the role.
As things stand, Carlo Ancelotti still has the chance to steady the ship and guide Madrid to silverware. But if results continue to falter, the pull of Xabi Alonso—both for the fans and the hierarchy—may become too strong to ignore.
