The main question at Real Madrid is no longer if Xabi Alonso will take over, but rather when he will assume the role. Although Carlo Ancelotti intends to remain next season, his future with the club is contingent on two specific conditions.
Carlo Ancelotti‘s second tenure as Real Madrid manager has been remarkably successful. Since returning in 2021, he has led the team to secure 10 titles, and they are currently in contention for even more.
Despite these accolades, there is growing uncertainty surrounding his future at Santiago Bernabeu. Ancelotti has publicly stated his desire to stay, but Real Madrid has outlined two conditions that will dictate whether he continues as manager beyond this summer.
Under Ancelotti’s guidance, the Whites have remained competitive across all major tournaments. Currently third in La Liga, Los Blancos are well-positioned in the Champions League round of 16 and have advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals. However, inconsistent league performance has raised concerns among the club’s hierarchy.
Since the beginning of the year, they have fallen from first to third in the league standings and suffered a significant defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. Their latest loss to Real Betis marked just one win in their last five league games, leaving them three points behind leaders Barcelona.
This dip in form has intensified speculation regarding Ancelotti’s future, with his contract running until summer 2026. Concurrently, reports suggest that Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is being considered as his successor. The main question is now when the Spaniard will take over, not if.
What did Ancelotti say about his future?
In light of the increasing uncertainty, the Italian manager discussed his future during an interview on PoretCast di Giacomo Poretti. He reiterated his intention to remain with the club, asserting that any decision regarding his departure lies solely with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. “I don’t know when. I don’t decide. The only clear thing I know is that I don’t decide when I will leave, the president will. It will happen sooner or later.”
Despite recent challenges, the 65-year-old remains a beloved figure among Los Blancos’ fans, and his departure would signify the end of an era. However, the ultimate decision regarding his future does not rest in his hands.
Real Madrid’s two conditions for Ancelotti to stay
As reported by The Athletic, Ancelotti hopes to remain next season, but his future hinges on two key conditions: winning La Liga or winning the Champions League. If he achieves either of these feats, he will retain his position for at least another season. Failure to meet these criteria could result in his abrupt departure.
With Real Madrid still in contention for both trophies, the upcoming matches will be critical in determining the Italian’s fate. However, even if he succeeds, there remains a strong possibility that the club will push for Xabi Alonso’s appointment as early as next summer.
