Carlo Ancelotti is facing heavy scrutiny after the disappointing 3-1 loss to crosstown rivals Atletico.
Questions are starting to be asked of the Italian legend even though Real Madrid had won all their games this season before the trip to the Metropolitano Stadium. And it looks like the club might already have an eye on their next manager.
Ancelotti had a very successful first season back at Real Madrid, winning the La Liga and Champions League double. However, the following season was lacklustre in comparison. The team played very inconsistently in the league and were knocked out of the Champions League in disappointing fashion to Manchester City in the semi-finals. They did succeed in winning the Copa del Rey.
Before the loss to Atletico, Los Blancos had a perfect start to the season, which worked well in Ancelotti’s favour. However, now the tides have quickly turned.
As reported by MARCA, journalist Matias Prats said while appearing on Radio MARCA:
“The first favorite to replace Ancelotti is Xabi Alonso to coach the team next year”
Xabi Alonso has guided his Bayer Leverkusen side to a superb start this season, as they sit in second in the Bundesliga after the first five games. They have the same number of points as league leaders Bayern Munich and are only behind on goal difference, and that too after Thomas Tuchel’s side won 7-0 at the weekend.
The rumours linking Alonso with the Real Madrid job are nothing new and have been swirling around for months. The Spaniard has done a fantastic job since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in October of last year and is believed to be the ideal man for the Santiago Bernabeu hot seat.
Alonso signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen recently that runs until the summer of 2026. That could be an obstacle in Real Madrid’s way to the Spaniard. However, if the Spanish giants really want him, it would be nothing impossible to overcome.