Former Real Madrid midfielder to Take Over from Ancelotti After Club World Cup
Real Madrid have reached a full agreement with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso to become the club’s next head coach, with the Spaniard set to sign a three-year contract following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup, according to MARCA.
The appointment will see Alonso return to the Bernabeu in a new capacity, more than a decade after he played a pivotal role in midfield under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti himself.
The 42-year-old Alonso has rapidly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, having guided Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in 2023/24, their first-ever in club history, interfering with serial winners Bayern Munich.
Alonso will be joined by long-time collaborator Sebas Parrilla, a coaching ally from his time at Real Madrid’s youth academy. The two have worked closely for years, with Alonso viewing Parrilla as central to his methods. Physical trainer Alberto Encinas, also from Leverkusen, is equally expected to take over responsibility for player conditioning, a move that could end Antonio Pintus’s current role at Valdebebas. Goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis, however, will remain in his position.
The Real Madrid hierarchy is said to be impressed with Alonso’s composure, tactical flexibility and ability to develop players. The club have been accused in recent times of simply signing the best players and relying on moments of magic.
Although Alonso will be given a voice in recruitment discussions, transfer decisions will most likely continue to be made by the club’s front office. Madrid are actively targeting reinforcements in three positions this summer: a left-back, a centre-back and a midfielder, having all but secured the services of Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold. People close to the situation say that Alonso is in agreement with the club’s assessment of transfer targets and will be consulted throughout the process.
The managerial transition is set to happen after Real Madrid conclude the FIFA Club World Cup, which they are competing in from mid-June to mid-July as UEFA Champions League winners.
Current boss Ancelotti, who is expected to leave at the end of the current campaign, will lead the team through that tournament before handing over the reins to Alonso.
