Xabi Alonso, MARCA’s worrying revelation about Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid appears secure on the surface, but persistent rumors continue to cast a shadow over his future. With whispers growing louder, Xabi Alonso has emerged as a serious contender to replace him at the Santiago Bernabéu. While speculation is not uncommon in football, a recent revelation from MARCA has caused significant concern among Madrid fans and analysts alike.

Real Madrid’s season has been anything but smooth. Ancelotti’s men have delivered impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League, securing crucial wins to keep their European hopes alive. However, in La Liga, the story has been different. The team has struggled to maintain consistency, dropping points at key moments while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid apply relentless pressure in the title race. This inconsistency has fueled debate over whether Ancelotti remains the right man for the job.

Despite his legendary status and past successes with Real Madrid, Ancelotti has come under scrutiny for his tactical decisions and squad rotation. At times, his team has appeared disjointed and uninspired, leading to frustrations among fans. With Barcelona now level on points in La Liga, the pressure is mounting. Ancelotti’s contract runs until 2026, but if the club fails to meet expectations this season, his position could be in jeopardy.

MARCA’s recent report has added fuel to the speculation. The Madrid-based newspaper suggests that Xabi Alonso is being seriously considered as a potential successor. A former Real Madrid midfielder with a deep understanding of the club’s values, Alonso has been making waves as a manager at Bayer Leverkusen. His tactical acumen and leadership qualities have transformed Leverkusen into Bundesliga contenders, earning him widespread admiration in Europe.

Alonso’s style of play is highly regarded. He emphasizes positional awareness, fluid attacking transitions, and disciplined defensive structures—qualities that align with Real Madrid’s philosophy. His ability to develop young talent and adapt tactically to different challenges makes him an appealing candidate for the Madrid hierarchy. Given his history with the club and his success as a player, many believe he could be the ideal long-term successor to Ancelotti.

However, despite the growing speculation, there is no official approach from Real Madrid for Alonso’s services. According to MARCA, the club’s directors are focused on the present campaign and have not yet made any concrete moves to secure a replacement for Ancelotti. The priority remains winning silverware this season, particularly the UEFA Champions League and La Liga title, where competition is fierce.

Ancelotti, for his part, remains composed amidst the swirling rumors. He understands that results dictate managerial security at a club like Real Madrid. Should he guide the team to success, any conversations about his departure could quickly fade. Madrid’s board also has a history of maintaining discretion when it comes to managerial decisions during a season to prevent unnecessary distractions within the squad.

On the German side, Bayer Leverkusen remains confident in Alonso’s commitment to their project. The Spaniard’s contract runs until 2026, and the club has ambitious long-term goals, including sustained European competitiveness and domestic dominance. Club officials have expressed their desire to retain Alonso, seeing him as the key architect of their resurgence.

Alonso himself has shown no signs of being distracted by the rumors. He remains dedicated to Leverkusen, where he has built a formidable side that plays with a clear identity. While a potential return to Real Madrid is tempting, there is no indication that he is actively seeking an exit from the Bundesliga at this stage of his managerial career.

Nonetheless, the allure of managing Real Madrid is undeniable. The club represents one of the most prestigious managerial roles in football, and Alonso’s name will continue to be linked as long as doubts linger over Ancelotti’s future. If Real Madrid experiences a disappointing end to the season, the calls for a change in leadership could grow louder.

For now, the situation remains a waiting game. Ancelotti’s fate will ultimately be determined by how Real Madrid finishes the season. If he delivers trophies, he may well continue at the helm. If not, the club may be tempted to usher in a new era under Xabi Alonso.

Madrid fans, meanwhile, are watching closely. While many appreciate Ancelotti’s legacy, there is undeniable excitement about the possibility of Alonso returning as a coach. His deep connection with the club, combined with his managerial success, makes him an appealing candidate.

Ultimately, Real Madrid’s decision-makers will have to weigh experience against potential. Ancelotti is a proven winner, but Alonso represents a fresh vision for the future. If the season ends without major silverware, the temptation to make a bold change might be too strong to resist.

As the speculation intensifies, all eyes will be on how Real Madrid navigates the remainder of the campaign. The club’s history suggests that patience is limited, and if Alonso continues to impress in Germany, it may only be a matter of time before he is offered the chance to return to the Bernabéu—not as a player, but as the man leading the next chapter of Los Blancos’ legacy.