Real Madrid have enjoyed some of their best times in the last decade under Carlo Ancelotti’s tutelage.
There is no end to the list of accolades the Italian tactician has overseen during his two stints at the club, for he is one of their greatest managers in living memory.
Yet, not much is known about his continuity beyond this season, with his contract expiring in 2024.
The Br azil national team are confident that Ancelotti will join them next summer as he looks for his next big managerial challenge
Amidst the confusion, the offices at Valdebebas hope to keep a backup option in place if the manager departs next summer.
According to reports from Rodra Los Blancos strongly prefer Xabi Alonso to take over the reins next year if Ancelotti leaves.
Alonso is largely considered one of the best midfielders in Real Madrid’s history. He made over 150 appearances for Los Blancos during his stint in Madrid, winning two UCL titles in the process.
He began his managerial career with the Real Madrid U-14 team before moving to Real Sociedad B in 2019. His rapid ascent continued as he earned a move to the first division in Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
In less than a year at the club, Alonso has already taken the German side to the semifinal of the UEFA Europa League and appears ready to take the next big step.
The links to Alonso are not entirely new and it appears that the former midfielder is the favourite to take over from Ancelotti.
However, he did sign a new contract until 2026 with Leverkusen recently, which could make matters tricky for Los Blancos.
Alonso is quite clearly the front-runner to replace Ancelotti next summer but is understandably not the only candidate interested.
Los Blancos have enjoyed a spectacular run under Zinedine Zidane in recent seasons and a third stint for the French legend cannot be ruled out.
Moreover, Raul Gonzalez is pushing for promotion to the status of first-team manager after his Castilla side’s impressive run.