Real Madrid face Real Sociedad in their final La Liga match of the 2024/25 season in Carlo Ancelotti’s final game at the club.
Although it’s not official yet, Los Blancos have already identified Xabi Alonso as his successor, as the Italian coach moves on to Brazil.
The Spaniard is set to take charge of the team in June’s FIFA Club World Cup scheduled in the USA and Real Madrid are already working on transfer deals with players according to Alonso’s demands.
The club are looking at wholesale changes after enduring a season where they fell short in securing any of their three major trophy targets.
Los Blancos defender Dani Carvajal has shared his thoughts on the campaign and Alonso’s expected return to the Spanish capital.
“It looks like Xabi is going to be the one coming in even though it’s not official yet,” Carvajal told the reporters from COPE .
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“Only time will tell if Xabi is the right man to turn this year around, as we haven’t won any of the three major titles. But that’s football. In the end, results determine the future of coaches, players.”
The Spain international highlighted Alonso’s past experience of playing for Real Madrid will should help him a manage a club he knows inside out.
Alonso has proven his credentials at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding them to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title unbeaten, as part of a domestic trophy double and reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League.
“Xabi has had two fantastic seasons with Bayer Leverkusen and I think he will do very well.
“He knows the club better than anyone, he’s been a player here, he’s defended the badge for many years, he knows what it means to be a Real Madrid player, and I think that’s a plus for him as a coach.”
What did Carvajal say about Ancelotti’s departure?
Ancelotti will leave the club to take charge of the Brazil national team, in preparation for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Under his leadership, Los Blancos won 15 trophies across two spells.
He is now the most successful manager in Real Madrid history after winning three Champions League titles. He also led Los Blancos to a La Liga/UCL double last season.
Carvajal, who has been with the Italian across both of his stints, is sad about his departure. as he shared the impact Ancelotti has had in his career.
“I have mixed feelings. I’m very sad about Carlo’s departure. I’m sad to see him go. I’ve been with him for many years, in his first spell and in this second one, we’ve won everything with him.
“He’s like a footballing father to me, and I say this with great sadness, but I hope he gets the send-off he deserves as the most successful coach in the club’s history.”
Real Madrid are now braced for a new era, and they have already taken major steps in the transfer market, preparing for life after Ancelotti.
Alonso’s first test is an immediate one, with the club determined to perform well in the Club World Cup, to secure a major financial boost and save something from a miserable 2025.
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