Xabi Alonso could be on the verge of announcing his return to Real Madrid, a club he served diligently in midfield from 2009-2014. This time, he will reportedly be taking over as head coach.
Carlo Ancelotti has long been reported to be on the verge of an exit. Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso and Red Bull Head of Global Soccer Jürgen Klopp have been discussed as potential successors. If reports are to be believed, Alonso will soon officially be confirmed as the man Los Blancos have decided to lean on to restore their glory.
Sky Sport Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday: “It’s now official and decided: Xabi #Alonso has informed Bayer 04 Leverkusen that he will leave the club at the end of the season. He is set to join Real Madrid! Alonso may announce it himself at today’s press conference.”
Alonso subsequently announced that he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen. However, his return to Real Madrid has not been officially confirmed publicly.
Real Madrid (3.35) won last season’s LaLiga title and the UEFA Champions League. However, they have underwhelmed this season despite adding Kylian Mbappé to their squad. They currently sit four points behind Barcelona ahead of El Clásico on Sunday, having lost the Copa del Rey final and the Supercopa de España to the same opponents.
Ancelotti’s fate was likely sealed when Real Madrid lost home and away to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Apprentice Alonso Soon to Replace Master Ancelotti?
Ironically, Alonso played in midfield for Real Madrid under Ancelotti as they claimed La Decima – the club’s 10th UEFA Champions League title – in 2013-14. Alonso missed the final win over Atlético Madrid due to suspension, but still collected his winners’ medal.
Ancelotti and Real Madrid initially parted ways in 2015. However, the Italian returned to the club in 2021 and brought two more UEFA Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns.
However, his time appears to be drawing to a close, and he has been linked with the Brazil job. His former player, who starred for him in midfield not only for Real Madrid but also Bayern Munich, looks set to succeed him.
Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to last season’s German Bundesliga title. This season, they will finish the season in second place, with Bayern already confirmed as champions.
When Will Xabi Alonso Take Charge of Real Madrid?
Marca have reported that Alonso will sign a three-year deal with Real Madrid. It is seemingly set to start after the FIFA Club World Cup. Alonso will reportedly bring in Sebas Parrilla as his assistant.
His relationship with Parrilla reportedly dates back to his time coaching in Real Madrid’s academy. Alonso was in charge of the U14 team before later becoming head coach of Real Sociedad B and then Bayer Leverkusen’s first team.
Who Will Real Madrid Sign in the Off-Season?
Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to be unveiled as a Real Madrid player soon after announcing his departure from Liverpool. Alonso played in midfield for Liverpool and made the same move to Madrid. The Spaniard will be the perfect mentor for Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid are reported by Goal.com to be eyeing a potential swoop for Arsenal centre-back William Saliba. Los Blancos need to reinvigorate their backline, with many of their best defenders getting on in age.
Conclusion: Familiar Territory
Xabi Alonso knows the pressure at Real Madrid. He will understand he is expected to hit the ground running. However, with knowledge of what life is like for the players under him, he has all the tools at his disposal to succeed. Under his stewardship, Real Madrid is likely to be a team to watch for soccer betting enthusiasts.
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