Real Madrid is experiencing a decisive night. Not only is the UEFA Champions League qualification at stake, but also Carlo Ancelotti's future. The match against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will be a definitive test.
At the white club, the Champions League is the top priority. Although the team is still in the fight for LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, a European elimination could mark a turning point. Ancelotti's continuity would be in question, and in the offices of Santiago Bernabéu, they are already starting to consider alternatives.
The Italian coach knows it and has made it clear: "I will never decide the departure date from this club." However, his fate could be outside Madrid sooner than he imagines.
Xabi Alonso, the Great Favorite
For months, the name of Xabi Alonso has been strongly mentioned at Bernabéu. His work at Bayer Leverkusen has caught the attention of Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez, who see him as the ideal candidate for the white bench.
The Basque coach, however, prefers to focus on the present. "I can't say anything, we are in the middle of a season and we have big goals," he said during his last visit to Madrid.
Despite his statements, everything points to Madrid making an attempt to convince him for the 2025-2026 season. But if Xabi Alonso decides to stay in Germany, the club has more options on the table.
An Unexpected Substitute from the Premier
If the signing of Xabi Alonso doesn't materialize, Madrid has its eyes on the Premier League. And although the names of Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) and Unai Emery (Aston Villa) appear on the radar, there is a surprise on the list: Andoni Iraola.
The former Rayo Vallecano coach has led the modest AFC Bournemouth to a great season in England. Despite a much smaller budget than the big teams, he has managed to compete against giants like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City itself.
The English newspaper Daily Mail has left his continuity at Bournemouth hanging in the air, which has sparked Madrid's interest. At Bernabéu, they value his ability to get the most out of his squad and his offensive and daring play style.
Bernabéu Will Decide the Future
Everything will depend on what happens tonight at Santiago Bernabéu. If Madrid is eliminated by Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti's continuity will be seriously questioned.
If the management decides on a change of direction, the club will have to move quickly. Xabi Alonso remains the favorite, but if his arrival becomes complicated, Andoni Iraola could become the big surprise on the white bench.