Former Madrid Boss Could Step in for Club World Cup
Real Madrid are on the brink of a significant managerial change as current head coach Carlo Ancelotti looks set to depart when the current domestic season comes to a close. Following a season marked by disappointment in both La Liga and the Champions League, it seems that Ancelotti’s tenure at the Bernabeu will come to an early end, just one year before his contract expires. The Italian tactician, who has guided Madrid to two Champions League titles in four seasons, is reportedly set to take over as Brazil’s national team coach, leaving Los Blancos searching for a new leader.
With the hunt for a permanent successor to Ancelotti underway, attention has quickly turned to Xabi Alonso, the former Madrid midfielder currently managing Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. However, with the timing of Ancelotti’s exit, coupled with the fast-approaching Club World Cup in June, Madrid could be forced to appoint an interim manager for a short stint to cover the gap until a permanent deal can be finalised.
Among the candidates for the temporary role is none other than Santiago Solari, who previously managed the club for a brief but eventful period. Solari, now regarded as a solid figure in Madrid’s recent managerial history, could be poised for a return to the dugout to lead Madrid during the crucial months ahead, including their participation in the Club World Cup.
Ancelotti’s Departure: A New Era for Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid was, in many ways, an inevitable conclusion to a tumultuous season for the club. Despite winning two Champions League titles in just four seasons and successfully navigating the pressure of managing one of the world’s biggest clubs, Ancelotti has not been immune to the intense demands that come with the job at Madrid.
This season, however, has been a bitter disappointment. The Spanish giants’ hopes of regaining the La Liga title were dashed by a rejuvenated Barcelona side, and Madrid’s early exit from the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of a resilient Manchester City left the club licking its wounds. The combination of these setbacks has ultimately led to Ancelotti’s impending dismissal. Despite his achievements in Europe, Madrid’s higher-ups have made it clear that they expect success on both fronts, and falling short domestically and internationally is simply not tolerated.
Ancelotti’s likely move to take over as Brazil’s national team coach only adds to the sense that the timing for a change has arrived. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Brazil is looking to appoint a manager capable of leading them into the next generation of footballing success, and Ancelotti’s wealth of experience at the international level makes him an ideal candidate. For Madrid, however, the departure of a manager who has overseen their most successful European campaign in recent memory is a challenging situation, and the search for a new boss is now in full swing.
Xabi Alonso: The Preferred Successor
As Real Madrid scouts for a permanent replacement, one name stands above the rest: Xabi Alonso. The former Madrid midfielder, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career at the Bernabeu, is now making a name for himself as a manager. His successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen has drawn attention from top clubs, with Madrid leading the charge to bring him back to the Spanish capital.
Alonso’s footballing intelligence, combined with his tactical acumen, has made him one of Europe’s most promising young managers. His work at Leverkusen, where he has transformed the team into one of the Bundesliga’s most dynamic sides, has not gone unnoticed. However, Madrid’s interest in Alonso faces one significant hurdle: timing.
Leverkusen’s season runs until mid-May, while Madrid’s La Liga campaign doesn’t finish until May 25th, leaving very little room for Alonso to transition directly into the Madrid job. With the Club World Cup scheduled for June, it’s possible that Madrid may have to appoint an interim manager for the tournament while they work out the details of Alonso’s arrival.
Santiago Solari: A Familiar Face for the Interim Role
Should Real Madrid opt for an interim manager in the short term, the name being bandied about is Santiago Solari, the Argentine coach who has history with the club. Solari, a former Madrid player, made a brief, but memorable return to the club’s dugout in 2018. Following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, Solari was promoted to interim coach and, after a series of positive results, was appointed permanently.
However, Solari’s stint as Madrid’s head coach was cut short after a string of poor performances, culminating in a humiliating Champions League exit to Ajax. Despite this, Solari’s tenure wasn’t without its positives, and he did manage to secure a Club World Cup title in his short time in charge.
Since then, Solari has continued his managerial journey, having taken charge of teams like Club America in Mexico. His return to Madrid as an interim option would be a practical solution given his familiarity with the club, its culture, and the expectations that come with managing such a prestigious team.
The appointment of Solari would also provide a sense of continuity for Madrid players and fans, as he knows the club inside and out. While Solari’s return wouldn’t necessarily mark a long-term solution, he could act as a steady hand during the transitional period between Ancelotti’s departure and Alonso’s potential arrival.
The Club World Cup and Madrid’s Short-Term Plans
As Real Madrid gears up for the first-ever expanded Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States in June and July, the timing of Ancelotti’s departure is especially tricky. With the tournament just around the corner and Madrid’s domestic season running later than usual, the club may find itself needing an interim manager to navigate the early stages of the competition.
The Club World Cup is a prestigious tournament, one that Madrid has dominated in recent years, and they will be eager to add another title to their already impressive trophy haul. However, the task of managing the team during such a crucial tournament could prove challenging if the club is in the midst of a managerial change. This is where Solari’s potential appointment could come in handy, as the Argentine has already experienced the pressure of managing at Madrid, and his knowledge of the club’s philosophy could be invaluable in the short term.
The opening match of Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign is set for June 18th, where they will face Al Hilal in Miami. The challenge of securing a title while undergoing managerial upheaval would undoubtedly be difficult, but Madrid are a club built for success, and they will be determined to push forward despite the circumstances.
The Future of Real Madrid: Alonso’s Likely Arrival and the Transition Period
The future of Real Madrid looks poised for a new chapter, with Xabi Alonso the frontrunner to become the next permanent manager. However, the immediate need for an interim coach cannot be ignored, and Santiago Solari may be the answer to provide stability during the transition.
As Madrid embarks on the search for their next leader, the focus will remain on securing a long-term vision for the club. Whether that is with Alonso at the helm or another manager, the future remains uncertain, but Real Madrid’s ability to adapt and thrive is unquestionable.
For now, the Club World Cup and the closing stages of the season will provide the backdrop for this managerial shift. The pressure will be on, and whoever takes charge in the interim will need to be both pragmatic and capable of delivering results.
Real Madrid fans, ever accustomed to high expectations and drama, will be eagerly watching as the club navigates this pivotal moment in its storied history.
