Xabi Alonso’s big condition for the succession of Carlo Ancelotti

As the 2024/25 season nears its conclusion, Real Madrid is preparing for a major shift at the helm. The departure of legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti is now inevitable, and all signs point toward former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso taking over the reins. However, Alonso’s return to the Spanish capital comes with a crucial demand that could shape the club’s immediate future.

Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell at Real Madrid is drawing to a close, despite still having one year left on his contract. The veteran Italian tactician, who has overseen memorable triumphs and bitter defeats during his tenure, will step down at the end of the current campaign. His next challenge awaits with the Brazilian national team, a role that has been long speculated and is now all but confirmed.

Ancelotti’s decision comes in the wake of growing criticism from fans and pundits alike, especially after Real Madrid’s disappointing performance in the Copa del Rey final, where they were convincingly defeated by eternal rivals FC Barcelona. The defeat marked a low point in a season that has not lived up to the club’s high standards.

In response to the coaching vacuum, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and the club’s board have accelerated their search for a new manager. The top candidate? None other than Xabi Alonso, who has been making waves with his impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

At just 43 years old, Alonso has already forged a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. His tactical intelligence, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of modern football have drawn comparisons to managerial greats. Naturally, his connection with Real Madrid – as a former player and Champions League winner – makes him a popular choice among fans.

However, Alonso has made it clear that he will not jump into the role unprepared. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and confirmed by Relevo, Alonso has stipulated one major condition before accepting the prestigious job: he does not want to begin his tenure before the Club World Cup.

Rather than being rushed into a high-pressure tournament with a fatigued squad, Alonso has requested that Real Madrid appoint an interim manager – likely Santiago Solari, the club’s current director of football – to lead the team during the Club World Cup campaign. This would give Alonso the breathing room to carefully observe the squad, assess individual players, and tailor his tactical plans without the intense spotlight of an international competition.

This condition reflects Alonso’s meticulous and methodical approach to management. He understands that taking over a club of Real Madrid’s magnitude requires more than passion – it demands preparation, vision, and timing. By delaying his start, Alonso aims to avoid early pitfalls that could arise from managing a physically and mentally drained squad fresh off a long and grueling season.

From the club’s perspective, accepting this condition is both strategic and respectful. Florentino Pérez has reportedly agreed to the terms, valuing Alonso’s long-term potential over immediate results. The temporary stewardship of Solari, who previously managed Real Madrid’s first team, offers a sense of continuity and internal familiarity during the transitional period.

This move also allows Alonso to finalize his exit from Bayer Leverkusen on good terms. The German club, which has enjoyed a resurgence under his leadership, is expected to announce his departure officially in the coming days. His decision to leave after the Bundesliga season shows his professionalism and loyalty to the projects he oversees.

Alonso’s arrival will mark the beginning of a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu. Fans will be eager to see how he molds a squad that is brimming with young talent like Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Endrick – while also managing veteran leaders such as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, should they remain.

The delay could prove beneficial on multiple fronts. It offers the club a chance to reset, players time to recover, and Alonso an opportunity to integrate his philosophy without haste. In a club where patience is often scarce, this calculated approach might be the key to long-term success.

Moreover, Alonso’s coaching pedigree, though still young, is impressive. Under his watch, Bayer Leverkusen has become one of the Bundesliga’s most attractive sides, combining solid defensive organization with creative attacking flair. If he can translate this model to Real Madrid, the club could be on the cusp of a golden period.

Beyond tactics, Alonso’s presence brings symbolic weight. As a beloved figure from the club’s past, his appointment resonates deeply with the fans. His leadership on the field was once instrumental to Madrid’s European triumphs; now, the club hopes he can replicate that influence from the touchline.

Real Madrid is a club that thrives on legacy, but also reinvention. Ancelotti’s exit closes a successful chapter, and Alonso’s arrival could begin an exciting new one. However, with great expectations come great responsibilities – and Alonso seems determined to handle both with maturity and foresight.

With the dust still settling from recent disappointments, Alonso’s calm entry might be exactly what the club needs. Rather than rushing into the storm, he waits for the right moment to steer the ship. And if all goes according to plan, Real Madrid’s future could soon be in the hands of a manager who knows its past better than most.