According to one source, former Liverpool great Xabi Alonso has already been ‘selected’ to take over as Real Madrid’s head coach from next season.
Alonso is the current manager of Bayer Leverkusen and has impressed since taking over in 2022. He spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009.
Last season, he led Leverkusen out of relegation trouble and into the Europa League semi-finals, and he signed a three-year contract extension with the Bundesliga club last month.
Tottenham were apparently interested in Alonso before hiring Ange Postecoglou, and many would like to see the former Liverpool playmaker take over when Jurgen Klopp retires.
Alonso, on the other hand, is expected to join Real Madrid next year, according to Radio Marca.
Matias Prats, a presenter, stated that he had ‘zero doubts’ that the 2010 World Cup champion will take over as Madrid’s head coach in 2024/25, once Carlo Ancelotti leaves.
“I believe we know who will be the coach of Real Madrid next year, and it is neither Ancelotti nor Raul,” Prats remarked.
“He’s a coach who works in Germany.” We all know his name is Xabi Alonso, right? He appears to be the club’s favorite. I have no doubts – none at all – that Alonso will coach the Real Madrid club, and this is not a gut instinct, but rather information.
“I mean, it’s very clear to me that a lot can happen with nine months of competition.” He is also aware that he has a contract in Germany. Assume Madrid is performing well or that Ancelotti’s replacement wins the Champions League. But it’s apparent that Alonso has been chosen for next year in Madrid.”
Ancelotti is reportedly under increasing pressure following Real Madrid’s weekend 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid.
The veteran manager is widely expected to take over as Brazil coach at the end of the domestic season, and there is conjecture that he could be fired from his club job sooner if results are poor.
41-year-old Alonso is a popular character at both Liverpool and Real Madrid, where he has won the Champions League.
Former Real Sociedad star Rafa Benitez was a vital member of Rafa Benitez’s 2005 team that achieved the ‘Miracle of Istanbul,’ even scoring the rebounding penalty to tie the game at 3-3 and complete the comeback against AC Milan.
Alonso joined Real Madrid in 2009 for about £30 million and went on to win La Liga in 2012, the Champions League in 2014, and two Copa del Rey trophies.
