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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Real Madrid hierarchy looking at a managerial change</li><li>Could replace Ancelotti with Alonso in 2025 </li><li>Italian might be handed an ambassadorial role at the club</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Xabi Alonso back at Real Madrid?! Former midfielder 'expected' to replace Carlo Ancelotti next summer after Bayer Leverkusen heroics

Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen

FC Heidenheim

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

<p>The Spanish manager, who has made waves with his recent success in Germany, has caught the eye of Real Madrid executives as the ideal candidate to take over the managerial helm, according to <a href="https://www.relevo.com/futbol/liga-primera/insisten-nombre-xabi-alonso-real-20241031010158-nt.html" target="_blank"><em>Relevo</em></a>. Real's interest in Alonso comes amid an uneasy start to their current La Liga season, which has increased the scrutiny on Ancelotti's position - especially <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/carlo-ancelotti-real-madrid-didnt-deserve-lose-4-0-barcelona-el-clasico-psychological-problem/blt6126f57c5c03294f" target="_blank">following a crushing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona</a>, leaving them six points adrift of their Catalan rivals. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>It has been reported that Leverkusen are also anticipating Alonso's departure at the close of the season for the Spanish capital, particularly after he had previously turned down offers from top European clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich. In 2022, he took charge at Leverkusen, and his maiden full season in 2023-24 was nothing short of extraordinary. Under his guidance, the German club broke Bayern Munich’s 11-year hold on the Bundesliga title and went on a record 49-game unbeaten streak. This stellar run included not only the league title but also a German Cup victory and a strong showing in the Europa League final. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p><em>Relevo </em>further mentioned that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is expected to offer Ancelotti an alternative role at the club after he is relieved of his duties in the dugout. Although details are still uncertain, an ambassadorial or senior advisory position could be in the cards for the 65-year-old Italian, a move that would enable him to continue contributing to the club’s legacy in a different capacity. The manager has a long-standing association with the club and has won 14 trophies over his two stints.  </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Following the postponement of their <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/real-madrid-la-liga-match-against-valencia-postponed/bltb5f56707c61651e0" target="_blank">scheduled La Liga clash with Valencia</a>, Real Madrid are set to face AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. This fixture will provide Ancelotti and his players an opportunity to bounce back from their recent struggles and reassert their dominance.  </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

Xabi Alonso back at Real Madrid?! Former midfielder 'expected' to replace Carlo Ancelotti next summer after Bayer Leverkusen heroics  | Goal.com

Xabi Alonso has been tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti next summer at Real Madrid after proving his mettle with Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Xabi Alonso back at Real Madrid?! Former midfielder &apos;expected&apos; to replace Carlo Ancelotti next summer after Bayer Leverkusen heroics