Real Madrid's future is being shaped by Carlo Ancelotti's decision not to continue as coach next season.
Florentino Pérez is already clear about the direction he wants to take. His goal is to find the right replacement for the Italian coach. Although Xabi Alonso and Zinedine Zidane are two of the most mentioned names, there's a new candidate who's gained strength in recent days.
Carlo Ancelotti's Departure
After a season full of challenges, Carlo Ancelotti will leave his position as coach of Real Madrid.
Although the Italian has obtained important achievements, such as winning the Champions League in 2022, his cycle seems to be coming to an end. Florentino Pérez has decided not to renew his contract in order to change direction, since the team hasn't reached the expected level.
The Xabi Alonso Option
One of the strongest candidates to replace Ancelotti is Xabi Alonso. The former Real Madrid player has achieved great success in his coaching career at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has consolidated an attractive and effective play style. His knowledge of the club and his profile as a former Madrid player make him a very attractive candidate for Florentino Pérez.
However, Alonso still has a lot to prove in bigger clubs. He may need more experience before taking on such a challenge.
Zidane: an Expected Return
Zinedine Zidane has also been linked with the job. After leaving the club in 2018, the Frenchman remains one of the most highly valued coaches by Madrid's fans and board.
Despite failing to secure France's manager, Zidane remains a viable option. However, his return to Bernabéu would depend on a complete overhaul of the squad, something that's not guaranteed.
The New Candidate: Luis Enrique
While the names of Alonso and Zidane dominate the headlines, there's a third coach who has gained traction in recent days: Luis Enrique. The former Spain coach is without a team after leaving La Roja and could be the piece that Real Madrid needs for the future.
With a modern vision of soccer, Luis Enrique could fit in well with the Madrid squad, adapting a dynamic and offensive play style. Luis Enrique has proven his ability to work with high-level players and manage big egos.
His tactical approach could also be key to Real Madrid's return to success, especially if a major rebuild is undertaken. Although his name hasn't yet been heard as strongly as those of Alonso or Zidane, his option shouldn't be ruled out.