Real Madrid has made a final decision regarding the future coach. Despite rumors about Zidane, Raúl and Arbeloa, the board has already chosen Ancelotti's successor.
Xabi Alonso: the Chosen One to Succeed Ancelotti
After speculation and several names, the Real Madrid board has chosen Xabi Alonso as the most solid option to lead the team. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and world champion, has shown that he is capable of managing a club of this magnitude.
In his current period at Bayer Leverkusen, he's managed to establish himself as one of the most promising coaches in Europe thanks to his tactical vision and attractive playing style.
According to sources close to the club, the board has already informed Alonso that he is the only option they are considering for the position. It is expected that, following Ancelotti's departure, the transfer of powers will be immediate, provided that the team achieves the expected results. This means that, although Ancelotti's future remains uncertain, the club already has a clear idea of his successor.
The future of Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti is still the coach of Real Madrid and his contract, running until 2026, is still enforceable. However, the Italian coach's future is conditional on the team's results this season.
If Ancelotti manages to win important titles such as La Liga or the Champions League, he will fulfill his contract until 2026. Otherwise, the board will not renew his contract and will start the transition to the new coach, Xabi Alonso.
The board is not currently considering sacking Ancelotti mid-season, although everything will depend on the performance of the team. If Real Madrid doesn't achieve the expected results, a change in the dugout could be considered before the end of the season. However, the priority is for Ancelotti to finish the season in charge, at least until the end of the campaign in June 2024.
Plan B: Santiago Solari as an Interim Solution
In the event of a crisis and if Real Madrid decides to dispense with Ancelotti before June, the club has a plan B. In this scenario, former player and coach of Real Madrid Santiago Solari is emerging as the main candidate to fill the position on an interim basis.
Although Raúl and Arbeloa are future options, the club believes that they still lack the experience to lead the first team at a delicate moment. Therefore, if Ancelotti doesn't continue during the season, the most likely option would be Solari. He could manage the transition until Xabi Alonso arrives in June.