Florentino Had Everything Prepared for a Peaceful Transition and without trauma on Real Madrid's bench. But the latest reports suggest that the candidate is going to fail him.
He is 43 years old, with extensive experience in the Premier League with Liverpool, in the Bundesliga with Bayern, and at Real Madrid. As a coach, he is the trending manager in European soccer after leading Leverkusen to victory in the Bundesliga.
Xabi Alonso Was the Chosen One to Replace Ancelotti
Xabi Alonso Has Everything to Succeed Carlo Ancelotti (65 years old) at Real Madrid. Florentino doesn't want to cut the Italian, especially if the play and results are favorable. That's why it suits him well that things are going wonderfully for Xabi Alonso in Germany.
Florentino would like Alonso to hold on for one more year at Leverkusen. Then, the transition is a fact of life. Ancelotti doesn't have many years left as a coach in the media spotlight, and the chosen one is Xabi Alonso.
The Madrid leadership has already established contacts with him, and there is good willingness on both sides to reunite their destinies.
However, events are accelerating. Manchester City's disastrous season has taken a toll on Pep Guardiola, who sees the end of a cycle at the Etihad, is starting to get tired, and needs a reset.
Florentino Pérez didn't count on that. Through Ferran Soriano, his CEO, and Txiki Begiristain, sporting director until June 30, City has contacted Xabi to offer him the Etihad bench. Guardiola would appreciate it, even though he recently signed for one more year.
Is Arbeloa's Moment Coming?
City also considers Alonso as the ideal successor to Pep Guardiola's work. He knows the competition, knows the club, and knows the environment surrounding soccer in England. Xabi is attracted to City, just as he is to Real Madrid.
But right now, the English club seems to be in more of a hurry than Real Madrid to secure his services. The financial offer, on the other hand, would be irresistible: 20 million net annually and three guaranteed seasons.
Ancelotti's contract ends in 2026, but his departure could be hastened by City's interest in Xabi Alonso. Everything will also depend on the results. If the final harvest of titles is satisfactory, Florentino won't cut to the chase and will continue with Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso could fly, while Real Madrid changes its "successor." Álvaro Arbeloa works in the shadows, earning his stripes.