The five players relieved by the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, including 3 stars!

As the curtains prepare to fall on Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint as Real Madrid head coach, a wave of quiet relief seems to be sweeping through the locker room. While the Italian tactician has led Los Blancos to historic successes, not every player will be shedding tears upon his exit. Some stars—and future stars—are reportedly looking forward to the dawn of a new era under the leadership of Xabi Alonso.

After first managing the team between 2013 and 2015, Ancelotti returned to Madrid in 2021 with unfinished business. During this second spell, he became the club’s most decorated manager. But despite a cabinet full of silverware and a contract that runs until 2026, the internal atmosphere within the team has cooled. Following a turbulent season, the bond between the coach and several key players has visibly frayed.

Among those said to be quietly celebrating the imminent transition is Thibaut Courtois. Though sidelined for much of the season due to injury, the Belgian goalkeeper has never been shy about voicing his discontent with the team’s tactical identity. He has frequently hinted at the lack of a coherent game plan, especially in high-stakes matches like the UEFA Champions League knockout against Arsenal. In post-match interviews, Courtois lamented the team’s dependency on individual brilliance rather than collective strategy—an indirect jab at Ancelotti’s laissez-faire approach.

Even if Courtois respects Ancelotti’s man-management abilities, he’s likely to welcome the more structured philosophy that Xabi Alonso is expected to bring. Alonso, having proven himself at Bayer Leverkusen with modern tactical methods, could give Courtois the organized defensive unit he craves behind the scenes.

Another prominent name reportedly relieved by the shift is Jude Bellingham. The English midfield dynamo joined Real Madrid two years ago and quickly became a central figure. However, he has occasionally clashed with Ancelotti’s touchline instructions, especially during big matches. A now-viral moment during the Arsenal tie showed Bellingham visibly confused and frustrated as the Italian coach shouted unclear tactical directions.

Bellingham is known for his intense focus and high standards. He thrives in systems that offer clarity, structure, and positional fluidity. With Alonso known for his midfield mastery and tactical precision, Bellingham may finally find the kind of footballing environment that elevates his game further.

Surprisingly, even new arrival Kylian Mbappé—arguably the club’s marquee signing this season—is reportedly not devastated about Ancelotti’s departure. The French forward has enjoyed a prolific scoring season, leading the club’s charts with 34 goals. Yet, insiders say he has grown frustrated with Ancelotti’s inconsistent management, particularly when it comes to attacking roles and penalty responsibilities.

Mbappé, who had his eyes on the Ballon d’Or, may feel his numbers could have been even better under a more calculated and attack-minded system. Ancelotti’s refusal to assign a single penalty taker, instead rotating duties between stars, disrupted rhythm and possibly robbed Mbappé of precious goals. With Alonso expected to bring clarity to such decisions, Mbappé could benefit from more consistency in his role.

One of the most striking cases is that of Endrick. The young Brazilian, hailed as the future of Real Madrid, has struggled for minutes under Ancelotti despite some electric early performances. A classic No. 9, Endrick has the instincts of a goal-poacher and the flair of a Brazilian prodigy—but has often been relegated to the bench.

There have been multiple occasions where Endrick, seemingly deserving of a starting role, was either benched or subbed off early. To make matters worse, Ancelotti did not hold back from publicly criticizing the teenager’s decisions on the pitch. For a player still developing confidence and adapting to European football, such treatment can be damaging. A coach like Alonso, who values youth and is known for nurturing talent, could provide Endrick with the freedom and mentorship he needs.

Then there is Brahim Diaz. Since returning from his loan at AC Milan, the Moroccan international has had a stop-start experience at the Bernabéu. Under Ancelotti, Brahim has often been treated as a rotational option rather than a vital piece. Even in matches where he performed better than established stars, he was frequently the first to be subbed off.

It’s not just a matter of minutes for Brahim—it’s about respect and trust. Sources close to the player suggest he has been increasingly frustrated with his marginal role. With a new manager who may appreciate his creative versatility and direct style of play, Brahim could finally earn the consistent starting position he’s long desired.

The change in management at Real Madrid may not just be about refreshing tactics—it could also be a psychological reset for a squad that has occasionally looked disjointed. Ancelotti’s laid-back style, while effective with veteran squads, may not be what this evolving and ambitious group needs.

The anticipated arrival of Xabi Alonso isn’t just about nostalgia or a return of a club legend—it represents a possible revolution in footballing identity. Alonso, having turned Bayer Leverkusen into one of Europe’s most tactically cohesive sides, brings a modern mindset, positional discipline, and belief in youth development. All traits that could reignite the passion in players who’ve felt boxed in by Ancelotti’s traditionalism.

As the transition looms, Florentino Pérez and the club’s hierarchy must be aware that their decision could redefine Madrid’s next era. With multiple stars yearning for tactical clarity and a more progressive system, Alonso will have a golden opportunity to make an instant impact.

Carlo Ancelotti deserves recognition for his successes, including league titles, a Champions League, and moments of magic. But even the greatest coaches reach a point where the message no longer resonates. For some players, that moment has arrived.

This summer may mark the end of a celebrated managerial chapter—but it could also be the beginning of a dynamic, youth-led, and tactically revitalized Real Madrid. For Courtois, Bellingham, Mbappé, Endrick, and Brahim Diaz, the winds of change can’t come soon enough.