Former Liverpool Man Tipped To Take Over at Real Madrid

Following Real Madrid’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as the club’s next manager.

Currently managing Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has long been seen as a future Madrid boss, and recent events may accelerate that transition. His impressive work in Germany and strong ties to Real Madrid make him a logical candidate for the role, especially as pressure mounts on Ancelotti.

Alonso made his name playing for English side Liverpool, but has since forged a career as one of the most exciting young managers in the world.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is also being linked with the position, while former Madrid striker Raúl — who currently manages the club’s reserve side — remains a popular figure among fans.

Reports suggest Real Madrid are assessing their options as they consider a potential change in the dugout. Alonso’s tactical acumen, leadership, and history at the Bernabéu make him a natural successor in the eyes of many.

Other names mentioned as potential candidates include Álvaro Arbeloa and Zinedine Zidane, both of whom have strong historical ties to the club. As the season approaches its climax, speculation over Ancelotti’s future is expected to intensify.

Xabi Alonso Coaching Career Summary

Xabi Alonso began his coaching journey at Real Madrid, overseeing the U14s while completing his UEFA Elite course in 2018. In 2019, he took charge of Real Sociedad B, guiding them to promotion to Spain’s Segunda División for the first time since 1962. Despite relegation the following season, Alonso earned praise for his leadership and was linked with major roles across Europe.

In October 2022, he became head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, lifting them from the Bundesliga relegation zone to a sixth-place finish. The 2023–24 season was historic: under Alonso’s 3–4–3 system, Leverkusen went on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 51 games, clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title with five games to spare, and later secured the DFB-Pokal to complete a domestic double. Despite speculation linking him to Bayern, Liverpool, and Real Madrid, Alonso reaffirmed his commitment to Leverkusen, breaking records in wins, points, goals scored, and defensive stability.

Site Opinion

Madrid’s humbling has certainly shaken things up in Spain. The question now is, who next?

Alonso is an obvious choice, but given his success in Germany, will he swap for the high-pressure environment in Madrid? Or is the lure of arguably the world’s greatest club just a bit too much?