Xabi Alonso has become a recurring name in discussions about the future manager of Real Madrid. His success with Bayer Leverkusen has been remarkable since taking over in 2022. He transformed a team that was fighting to avoid relegation into a Bundesliga champion, also consolidating itself in European competitions. This meteoric rise has caught the attention of elite clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester City.
However, Leverkusen are confident of retaining Xabi Alonso until 2026. Sporting director Simon Rolfes recently stated that they are "100% sure" of his continuity. The club board have shown their desire to build a project around their successful coach. Rolfes' words reflect a firm plan to maintain the stability and growth that the Basque has brought.
Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, also has a clear vision. His goal is for Xabi Alonso to take over the reins of the team in the near future. Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach and respected for his management and results, has a contract until 2026.
However, the Italian's continuity depends on sporting success. If the results don't go his way and Xabi Alonso is not available at that time, Pérez has outlined a plan B.
Xabi Alonso, Florentino Pérez and their plan B
The president has ruled out Raúl González, the current Castilla coach, as an option to lead the first team. Instead, the alternatives would be Zinedine Zidane and Álvaro Arbeloa. Zidane, who already had two successful spells in charge at Real Madrid, is a strong option due to his experience and previous successes. Arbeloa, meanwhile, has earned recognition for his leadership in the lower divisions, emerging as a promising coach.
For some time now, many have been speaking wonders about Arbeloa at Real Madrid. Not only for his treatment of the players, but also for his approach to play and his tactical level. It seems that Álvaro Arbeloa will be the coach of Real Madrid Castilla - the white reserve team - next season. Florentino's confidence in him is, therefore, absolute.
Xabi Alonso's future is tied to Real Madrid. His history as a player and his promising present as a coach position him as the natural heir to the Whites' bench. Even if Leverkusen keep him for a few more years, the door to Bernabéu will always be open. Pérez is willing to wait for Alonso to make an orderly transition from Ancelotti.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen will continue to enjoy the vision and leadership of Xabi Alonso, knowing that his departure is inevitable when Real Madrid decide to take the next step. Florentino Pérez trusts in patience and future plans. The Tolosarra is, without a doubt, the future of the club, but in soccer, time and results decide everything.