Carlo Ancelotti, the current manager of Real Madrid, will leave the club at the end of the season, with the great Italian taking over as manager of the Brazilian national team in 2024. Madrid will have to replace the man who led them to a continental double in 2021/22, but they have reportedly selected a target for next season.
According to German outlet BILD, the Madrid management is looking into a move for former player Xabi Alonso. Alonso was a key player in the Spanish capital’s midfield for 5 seasons before ending his career with Bayern Munich.
Alonso has lately entered the world of European coaching and has done well during his time with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Alonso started his coaching career with the Real Sociedad B squad, the club where he grew up before being named manager of a struggling Leverkusen team that was in danger of being relegated from the Bundesliga. Leverkusen were to advance all the way to the Europa League spots thanks to the 2010 World Cup winner’s strong and immediate impact finishing 6th.
Madrid likely won’t be the only club keeping an eye on Alonso. The Spanish midfielder played five years with Liverpool, where he also won the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp’s contract with Liverpool was extended until 2026, but Alonso could be a good fit for their club as well.