Carlo Ancelotti`s second tenure as Real Madrid`s head coach is reportedly nearing its conclusion. Speculation suggests he will depart in the coming weeks, raising the crucial question: who will step in to lead one of Europe`s most ambitious football clubs?
Upon his return in 2021, Ancelotti brought stability back to Real Madrid. He successfully guided the team to two La Liga titles and two Champions League victories. Furthermore, he skillfully integrated a new wave of stars, such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, following Kylian Mbappe`s arrival last summer. However, it was always understood that Ancelotti`s second stint in Madrid would be temporary, and recent rumors linking him to the Brazilian national team have intensified. While his departure seems probable, it remains uncertain if he will remain in charge for the Club World Cup in June.
Regardless of the exact timing of Ancelotti`s exit, his successor faces a significant challenge. Real Madrid`s recent Champions League elimination against Arsenal highlighted the extensive work needed. The team, despite its star-studded lineup, is yet to find optimal balance. Inconsistent defensive performances and the aging of key players indicate the need for squad rejuvenation in several areas. The incoming manager will be tasked with formulating a fresh vision for the team while upholding the club`s unwavering ambition for trophies, even if a rebuilding phase appears to clash with their constant pursuit of silverware.
As anticipation builds for Real Madrid`s announcement regarding Ancelotti`s replacement, here is a ranking of potential candidates for the job.
5. Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp`s name has surprisingly emerged in discussions, possibly fueled by reports from Brazil suggesting his dissatisfaction in his role as head of global soccer at Red Bull, a position he assumed only months ago. While the prospect of Klopp managing Real Madrid`s talented squad is intriguing, the move appears highly improbable. Klopp`s agent has publicly stated that the former Liverpool manager is `very happy` in his current position. Therefore, it seems safe to dismiss this possibility.
4. Raul
Like any club, Real Madrid has the option to promote from within, and Raul would be the leading internal candidate. As one of the club`s legendary players, Raul, a Madrid native, has been managing the reserve team since 2019 and is likely seeking advancement in his coaching career. However, his relative inexperience might be a drawback for a position with such immense pressure and expectations. Consequently, Raul is unlikely to be chosen at this time. His situation is somewhat comparable to Santiago Solari, who transitioned from Real Madrid`s reserve team to become caretaker manager for the senior team in 2018 after Julen Lopetegui`s dismissal, only to be replaced himself by March following a Champions League defeat to Ajax.
3. Zinedine Zidane
Reappointing Zinedine Zidane could be considered a semi-internal appointment given his iconic status as both a player and manager at Real Madrid. He is also readily available, having been without a club since his departure in 2021. However, bringing back Zidane may not represent a long-term strategy for Real Madrid, particularly as it is widely believed that the former French international has been waiting for the opportunity to coach the French national team.
2. Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has significantly impressed during his two seasons with Bournemouth, establishing himself as a promising managerial talent in football. Larger clubs are already showing interest, with his name linked to the Tottenham Hotspur job should they decide to part ways with Ange Postecoglou before the next season. It is plausible that Iraola will be considered by several clubs in the coming months, and a high-profile move from Bournemouth might happen sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, similar to Raul, it may be too early in Iraola`s career to take on a job as demanding and high-profile as the Real Madrid position.
1. Xabi Alonso
From the moment Xabi Alonso`s Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated their potential to secure their first-ever Bundesliga title last season, the former Spain international emerged as a leading candidate for several high-profile managerial roles – specifically at Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, all clubs where he previously played. While the Liverpool and Bayern Munich opportunities went in different directions this past season, it has created a perfect scenario for Real Madrid to potentially secure Alonso, who is arguably the most impressive emerging manager in football today. His tenure at Leverkusen has been exceptional, rescuing them from a relegation battle and subsequently leading them to the league title within two years, in a league historically dominated by Bayern Munich. He has achieved this by implementing an attractive and effective playing style at Leverkusen and nurturing young talents like Florian Wirtz, ensuring Leverkusen remains one of the most exciting teams in European football.
Stepping up to manage Real Madrid would be a vastly different challenge, given the immense expectations and pressures associated with the role. However, a manager of his quality must eventually take such a leap, and Alonso has certainly earned the chance to prove himself at this level. The job is likely his if he desires it – and it`s difficult to imagine that he wouldn`t.
