Carlo Ancelotti`s second tenure as Real Madrid`s head coach is reportedly nearing its conclusion. Speculation suggests he may depart in the coming weeks, prompting the crucial question: who will succeed him and take charge of one of Europe`s most ambitious football clubs?
Upon his return in 2021, Ancelotti brought stability to Real Madrid, securing two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. He also successfully integrated a new wave of talent, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, following Kylian Mbappe`s arrival last summer. However, his second stint was never intended to be permanent, and recent reports linking him to the Brazil national team have intensified. While his departure seems probable, it remains uncertain whether he will remain with Real Madrid through the Club World Cup in June.
Regardless of the timing of Ancelotti`s eventual exit, his successor will face a significant challenge. Real Madrid`s recent Champions League exit against Arsenal highlighted the extensive work required. The team, despite its star-studded lineup, is yet to find optimal balance. Inconsistent defensive performances and aging key players indicate a need for squad rejuvenation in several positions. The incoming manager will be tasked with forging a fresh vision for the team while upholding the club`s demanding standards, even if a rebuilding phase seems contradictory to 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 among some bookmakers, possibly fueled by Brazilian reports suggesting his dissatisfaction in his current role as head of global soccer at Red Bull, a position he assumed only months ago. While the prospect of a manager of his stature leading Real Madrid`s star-studded team is intriguing, such a move appears highly improbable. Klopp`s agent has issued a statement affirming that the former Liverpool manager is `very happy` in his present position. Therefore, this possibility can likely be dismissed.
4. Raul
Real Madrid, like any club, has the option to consider internal candidates. If they choose this path, Raul would be the leading choice. A legendary player for the club, Raul, a Madrid native, has been managing the reserve team since 2019 and is likely seeking a promotion in the near future. However, his relative inexperience might be a drawback for a position with such immense pressure. Consequently, Raul is unlikely to be selected at this time. His situation is somewhat similar to Santiago Solari, who was promoted from Real Madrid`s reserves to become caretaker manager of 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
Re-appointing Zinedine Zidane would be akin to an 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 leaving Real Madrid in 2021. However, bringing back Zidane might not represent a long-term solution for Real Madrid, particularly as it is believed that the former French international has been prioritizing coaching his national team.
2. Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has significantly enhanced his reputation during his two seasons at Bournemouth, establishing himself as one of football`s most promising managers. 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 next season. It is plausible that Iraola will be considered by several clubs in the coming months and that a high-profile move from Bournemouth could happen relatively soon. However, similar to Raul, it might be premature in Iraola`s career to take on a role as demanding as the Real Madrid managerial position.
1. Xabi Alonso
From the moment Xabi Alonso`s Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated their potential to win their first Bundesliga title last season, the former Spain international emerged as a leading candidate for several high-profile managerial vacancies – specifically at Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, all clubs where he previously played. While the Liverpool and Bayern Munich jobs went in different directions last season, the timing now appears ideal for Real Madrid to secure Alonso, who is arguably the most impressive young manager currently available. His tenure at Leverkusen has been exceptional. He rescued them from a relegation battle and within two years guided them to the league title, 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 Europe`s most exciting teams to watch.
Stepping up to manage Real Madrid would present a vastly different challenge, given the immense expectations and pressures associated with the role. However, a manager of his caliber must eventually take such a leap, and Alonso has earned the opportunity to test himself at this level. The job is likely his if he desires it – and it is hard to imagine that he wouldn`t.
