Xabi Alonso has long been touted as the frontrunner to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, and that dream now appears closer than ever. With the current La Liga season drawing to a close, legendary coach Ancelotti is expected to leave the club, with strong indications that he will take charge of the Brazilian national team. An official announcement is expected by the end of May. Meanwhile, Alonso has already taken the first steps toward his new role.
On Friday, Alonso confirmed that he will step down as Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach at the end of the current season. Just days after the Bundesliga title race concluded, Alonso made his decision public in a press conference, saying:
“I can confirm that the club and I have mutually agreed that the remaining two matches will be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach. Now is the right time to share this decision.”
Under Alonso’s leadership last season, Leverkusen stunned German football by becoming the first team to win the Bundesliga title without a single defeat. They also finished as runners-up in the UEFA Europa League. However, this season has been less magical, with Bayern Munich reclaiming the Bundesliga title. Alonso, who took over at Leverkusen in October 2022, still leaves behind an impressive legacy.
Despite growing speculation, the 43-year-old Spaniard remained tight-lipped about his next move, saying:
“Now is not the time to talk about the future. On Sunday, the club and several players want to give us a proper farewell. It’s a time to reflect with mixed emotions and to be proud of what we’ve achieved. I’m grateful for everything from the first day until now.”
Spanish sports outlet Marca reported with confidence that Alonso is set to become the next Real Madrid manager. According to their sources, tensions had been brewing between Ancelotti and the club regarding his desire to leave, but those differences are now being set aside. Real Madrid plans to give the Italian tactician a grand farewell. Despite guiding the club to three Champions League titles across two spells, Ancelotti is likely to leave without major silverware this season—unless they clinch the La Liga title, which could be secured in Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona.
Marca adds that Alonso has been viewed as the natural successor ever since he led Leverkusen to their historic undefeated Bundesliga title. The deal for Ancelotti’s exit was reportedly agreed around the time of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal, though Real Madrid’s top brass kept the development under wraps while monitoring the broader managerial market.
