Carlo Ancelotti Gives Public Support to Xabi Alonso Ahead of El Clásico
MADRID — As speculation swirls about his future, Carlo Ancelotti has given Real Madrid fans a glimpse into the club’s next chapter — and it may be led by Xabi Alonso.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s crucial El Clásico, Ancelotti praised Alonso’s work at Bayer Leverkusen and openly endorsed the former midfielder as a worthy successor.
“He’s shown himself to be one of the best coaches in the world,” Ancelotti told reporters. “All doors are open to him.”
Alonso announced Friday that he will leave Leverkusen at the end of the season. Sources close to the club confirm that a return to Madrid is highly likely, where he would take over from the most decorated manager in Real’s history.
The End of Ancelotti’s Era?
Ancelotti, 65, is expected to step down after Madrid’s final match of the season on May 25 vs. Real Sociedad. While still mathematically in the LaLiga title race, Madrid trail Barcelona by four points, with Sunday’s Clásico potentially sealing the title for their rivals.
“The honeymoon [with Madrid] never ends,” Ancelotti said. “This team stays in your heart.”
Despite Champions League and domestic success, Madrid’s early European exit this season has drawn criticism, accelerating the conversation around Alonso’s potential arrival.
El Clásico: Title Implications and a New Era Looming
Sunday’s El Clásico at Montjuïc Stadium is more than a rivalry — it’s the season’s tipping point. Barcelona lead the league, and a win would all but confirm their crown. A Madrid victory would cut the gap to one point and reopen the race.
“If Barcelona win, they’re closer. If we win, the league is wide open,” Ancelotti said.
So far this season, Barcelona have dominated in head-to-head meetings:
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4-0 league win at the Bernabéu
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5-2 Supercopa final triumph
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3-2 Copa del Rey final victory in extra time
“In these games, you have to do everything well,” Ancelotti noted. “You have to defend, and when you have the ball, you need to expose their weaknesses — because no team is perfect.”
A New Era Begins?
With Alonso’s star rising and Ancelotti nearing the end of his storied Madrid tenure, Sunday’s Clásico could mark a symbolic passing of the torch.
Madrid fans will hope the next chapter begins not with a farewell, but with a fight to the finish.
