Ancelotti’s succession: Neither Klopp nor Zidane, Fabrizio Romano presents Florentino Perez’s 5 favourites

The managerial hot seat at Real Madrid is a coveted yet precarious position, one that is constantly under intense scrutiny and subject to the whims of success and the demanding expectations of the club’s passionate fanbase and powerful president, Florentino Perez. Even for a manager as decorated and respected as Carlo Ancelotti, a heavy defeat, particularly in a high-stakes Champions League encounter, can immediately ignite speculation about his future at the helm of the Spanish giants. The recent 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final has undoubtedly amplified the pressure on the veteran Italian manager.

Real Madrid, a club accustomed to dominating European football and rarely on the receiving end of such comprehensive defeats, found themselves humbled at the Emirates Stadium. This unexpected setback has not only jeopardized their chances of progressing in the Champions League but has also led to a resurgence of critical voices, questioning the team’s performance and, inevitably, the manager’s tactical approach and overall leadership. In the demanding environment of the Santiago Bernabéu, where winning is not just expected but considered an obligation, such defeats often have immediate repercussions for the man in charge.

Carlo Ancelotti, despite his impressive track record with Real Madrid, which includes delivering the club’s coveted 14th Champions League title, is undoubtedly feeling the heat. While Real Madrid currently sits atop the La Liga standings, their lead has been eroded, and the domestic title race is far from over. The heavy defeat to Arsenal has also cast a significant shadow over their Champions League aspirations, turning what was once a hopeful campaign into a daunting uphill battle. The patience of the demanding Real Madrid faithful is known to be finite, and while Ancelotti still has the Copa del Rey final to look forward to, success in that competition alone might not be enough to secure his long-term future at the club.

Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty surrounding Ancelotti’s position, the ever-reliable and well-informed football journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided a significant update on Florentino Perez’s potential succession plan. According to Romano, the Real Madrid president is already considering his options should Ancelotti not remain on the bench for the next season, and his sights appear to be firmly set on one particular candidate: Xabi Alonso.

Romano, known for his extensive network of sources and accurate reporting on transfer and managerial matters, has stated unequivocally that Xabi Alonso, the current manager of Bayer Leverkusen, is Florentino Perez’s overwhelming favorite to take over the reins at Real Madrid. In a quote relayed by Defensa Central, Romano reportedly suggested that “Xabi Alonso is option 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,” clearly indicating that Real Madrid is not seriously considering any other profile at this juncture.

This strong endorsement of Xabi Alonso from Florentino Perez, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, also implicitly suggests the exclusion of other prominent names that have been previously linked with the Real Madrid job. Two notable omissions from this list of favorites are Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp. Zidane, a club legend who enjoyed two successful spells as Real Madrid manager, might be considered to have too much “passif” or past history with the club, perhaps suggesting a desire for a fresh start with a new face. Klopp, who recently announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the current season, was initially seen by some as a potential candidate for the Real Madrid job, but Romano’s report indicates that he is not currently under consideration by Perez, possibly due to his own uncertainties about his next move or Perez’s preference for a different profile.

Another name often mentioned in connection with the Real Madrid managerial role is Raúl González, a legendary former striker for the club who is currently managing Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team. While Raúl is undoubtedly a popular figure among the Real Madrid faithful and is seen as a potential future manager of the first team, Fabrizio Romano’s report suggests that he is still considered “too tender” or inexperienced for the demanding top job at this moment.

Florentino Perez, it seems, is looking for a manager who can bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the club while also possessing a deep understanding of Real Madrid’s unique footballing philosophy and values, often referred to as “madridista DNA.” In this regard, Xabi Alonso appears to tick all the right boxes for the Real Madrid president. Alonso enjoyed a successful playing career at the Bernabéu, demonstrating his class, elegance, and tactical intelligence in midfield. He understands the expectations and pressures that come with representing such a prestigious club.

Furthermore, Alonso’s burgeoning managerial career has been nothing short of impressive. His work with Bayer Leverkusen has garnered widespread acclaim across Europe, particularly their remarkable achievement of going unbeaten throughout the entire previous season, a feat that has undoubtedly caught the attention of Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid hierarchy. Alonso’s tactical acumen, his ability to develop young players, and his charismatic leadership style are all qualities that align with Perez’s vision for the future of Real Madrid.

Interestingly, while Xabi Alonso is reportedly Florentino Perez’s top choice, the former Real Madrid midfielder has remained somewhat ambiguous when questioned about his future. Despite having a contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2026, Alonso has recently declined to commit his long-term future to the German club. This stance is in contrast to the previous year, when he quickly and publicly affirmed his desire to remain at Leverkusen. This subtle shift in Alonso’s public pronouncements has naturally fueled speculation about a potential move away from the Bundesliga club, with Real Madrid being the most frequently mentioned destination.

The timing of Alonso’s apparent openness to a new challenge aligns perfectly with Real Madrid’s potential need for a new manager. The club is seemingly looking for a breath of fresh air, a modern and dynamic figure who can guide the team back to consistent success while respecting its rich history and identity. In this context, Xabi Alonso has become more than just a potential candidate; he is increasingly seen as the natural successor to Carlo Ancelotti and the architect of Real Madrid’s next chapter.

While Carlo Ancelotti remains a revered figure at Real Madrid, a club legend who has delivered significant silverware, the signals emanating from the Spanish capital, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, strongly suggest that the club is already preparing for a future without him. Florentino Perez, known for his proactive and decisive leadership, appears keen to regain complete control and inject a new dynamic into the team, building around the talented young core of players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. To achieve this vision, Perez believes he needs a coach who is not just a manager but a builder, someone who can implement a clear tactical philosophy and develop a cohesive and winning team culture. Xabi Alonso, with his playing pedigree, tactical intelligence, and impressive early managerial career, seemingly fits this profile perfectly in Florentino Perez’s eyes.

Therefore, if Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell at Real Madrid is indeed drawing to a close, the stage appears to be set for a potential homecoming for Xabi Alonso. This time, however, it would not be as a world-class midfielder dictating play on the pitch but as the head coach, the architect of a new cycle of success for the most decorated club in European football. Florentino Perez has reportedly made his choice; now, the footballing world awaits to see if the timing is right and if Xabi Alonso will indeed return to the Santiago Bernabéu to embark on this exciting new chapter in his illustrious career.