New Delhi: Xabi Alonso is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu but this time not in midfield but on the touchline. After weeks of whispers and nods, the former Real Madrid man has officially informed Bayer Leverkusen players that he will leave the club at the end of the season. What comes next is an emotional farewell, as it is inevitable. He will take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who is preparing for a new chapter as Brazil’s head coach.
This moment signals more than just a managerial change as it marks the end of one of the most successful coaching reigns in Los Blancos’ history and the beginning of a new era under one of the most promising minds in European football. While the transition feels natural but it carries the weight of high expectations, considering the magnitude of Italian’s impact on the club.
🚨⚪️ Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen share an excellent relationship as Xabi Alonso’s exit will happen easily.
The compensation fee was never gonna be an issue as Leverkusen accepted to let Xabi go to Real Madrid as was his clear desire already one year ago. pic.twitter.com/55m1J7NP3A
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
Alonso’s new challenge at Santiago Bernabeu
Florentino Perez and the Madrid board see Alonso as the future. The 43-year-old has earned admiration across Europe for the job he has done at Leverkusen, guiding them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic cup in just his first full season. But the Madrid hot seat will be a completely different beast altogether.
Alonso will inherit a side packed with talent but riddled with complexities. He will need to find the right balance between Kylian Mbappe’s arrival and Vinicius Jr’s established role as the face of the team. Also integration of prodigious talents like Endrick and Arda Guler makes the task even tougher.
Immediate success will be expected from the Spaniard. The fans are demanding, the media is relentless, and the club hierarchy rarely tolerates failure. Tactical knowledge alone won’t be enough, as he will have to manage egos, handle pressure, and bring silverware, all while rebuilding a squad that is already in transition.
Ancelotti’s quiet revolution comes to a close
When Ancelotti returned to Madrid in 2021 following Zidane’s departure, he found a club uncertain of its direction. The stadium was under construction, key veterans had left, and finances were tight. Yet, through calm leadership and astute decision-making, he led Madrid to a La Liga-Champions League double in his first season back.
He did all this with a squad that many felt lacked depth. His experience and player management helped Madrid weather the storm, but as seasons passed, cracks began to show. Youngsters weren’t being pushed enough, and key areas like right-back were neglected when Mbappe finally joined last summer, tensions started brewing inside the dressing room.
The final stretch
Vinicius and Mbappe, two of the world’s biggest stars, struggled to click on the pitch. There was no outright feud, but their body language made it clear they were not on the same page. Ancelotti, famed for his ability to manage personalities, admitted privately that this was one of the most difficult squads he’d ever handled.
As results dipped, so did support from above. Perez and the board were unhappy with the defensive effort and cautious treatment of young stars. January came, and Ancelotti asked for reinforcements, notably Kyle Walker, but was turned down. It became clear the club was already looking beyond him.
The Brazil move and what comes after
With the season drawing to a close, Ancelotti’s next destination is nearly confirmed. Talks with the Brazilian Football Confederation are progressing with plans for him to take over before the next major international window. However, contractual details with Madrid still need resolving, including whether the club owes him a severance.
There’s also curiosity around Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s son and long-time assistant. Having grown into a respected figure in his own right, Davide may now step out of his father’s shadow and begin his own managerial journey.
As one era ends, another begins. The Bernabeu faithful will soon say goodbye to a gentleman who brought glory and calm to turbulent times, and with Alonso waiting in the wings, Real Madrid will hope their next chapter starts just as brightly.
Xabi Alonso set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid as the club begins a bold new era after a historic reign filled with silverware and tension. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
