 "Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso during a press conference for Real Madrid. Image: Reuters")
Carlo Ancelotti ’s future at Real Madrid has come under scrutiny following a string of poor results, with reports from Spanish media suggesting that the club may part ways with the Italian coach at the end of the season. The situation has been worsened by a dismal 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The result against Arsenal has reportedly left fans and Real Madrid’s hierarchy deeply concerned. The Spanish giants were thoroughly outplayed by Mikel Arteta’s side. The reigning European champions appeared out of sorts in London, and with the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu looming, Ancelotti now finds himself under immense pressure to deliver a win.
Carlo Ancelotti’s future in jeopardy
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the club’s board are considering ending Ancelotti’s tenure unless there’s a dramatic turnaround in results. While the 64-year-old manager recently signed a contract extension until June 2026, recent performances have reportedly shaken the club’s faith in his leadership.
The Italian, currently in his second stint at the Bernabeu, has won 10 trophies with the club, including two Champions League titles and one La Liga crown. But even his rich legacy may not be enough to save him if Real Madrid finish the 2024–25 season without a major title.
Despite the high-profile addition of Kylian Mbappe and a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid have struggled for consistency. Their recent results include a 2-1 loss to Valencia in La Liga and a painful 5-2 hammering by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year.
Real Madrid are currently in second place and four points behind their arch-rivals Barcelona in the La Liga points table.
Xabi Alonso the frontrunner to take over
With uncertainty surrounding Ancelotti’s future, former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him. Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic double in 2023–24, has seen his managerial stock rise rapidly.
Madrid are reportedly prioritising Alonso as their next head coach, viewing him as a long-term solution. However, Bayer Leverkusen remain adamant that Alonso is committed to staying in the Bundesliga next season.
Ancelotti responds to pressure
Speaking before the defeat to Arsenal, Ancelotti maintained that he still enjoyed the support of Florentino Perez. “The most important person is happy with me, and that’s what matters,” he told reporters.
Real Madrid are set to face Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on 17 April. All eyes will be on Ancelotti and his team to do well and save their European championship hopes.