As another turbulent chapter in Real Madrid‘s European journey drew to a bitter close, the mood inside the Santiago Bernabeu shifted from shock to somber resignation. A stunning 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final spelled the end of their continental campaign—but more tellingly, it appears to have marked the beginning of the end for one of the most decorated managers in soccer history.
Carlo Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to multiple triumphs, including a record-breaking fifth Champions League title as a coach, is reportedly set to leave the club after the Copa del Rey final on April 26 in Seville. But the club isn’t just waiting for the final whistle—plans are already underway to determine who will carry the torch next.
The Italian tactician’s legacy is undeniable. Having achieved the rare feat of winning domestic league titles in all five major European leagues, Ancelotti brought calm, class, and silverware to Madrid during two successful spells. Yet, as with many great reigns in soccer, the end has arrived not with a final triumph, but with a loss that cut deep.
“It could be this year, next year when my contract runs out…There’s no problem about it. But when I am done here, I will be grateful to this club… It could be tomorrow, in one year, or in 10 years, but I will be grateful to this club. And that’s it. Full stop,” Ancelotti said after the loss to Arsenal, a man fully aware that his time may be up.
The dressing room, once his fortress, appears to have turned on him. According to Relevo, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez held private talks with players after the match, only to find a consensus: the Italian had lost the dressing room. Players reportedly questioned his tactics, expressing dismay at the lack of a coherent plan beyond “intensity and commitment.”
Familiar faces and new voices: The options to take over
While Santiago Solari, Madrid’s current sporting director and a former interim boss, is reportedly in line to steady the ship short-term, the search for a long-term replacement is already heating up. Several names are being considered, each carrying its own weight of expectation and intrigue.
Xabi Alonso – The prodigal son returns?
Xabi Alonso, who has led Bayer Leverkusen to remarkable heights, is widely viewed as the frontrunner. The 43-year-old has injected fresh energy and identity into the Bundesliga club, even beating Bayern Munich to the league title in only his second season.
However, setbacks in Europe and domestic cups have raised questions about whether Alonso is ready to lead a juggernaut like Madrid. Still, his connection to the club, both as a former player and a symbol of its tactical future, makes him a compelling option.
Jurgen Klopp – The wild card
Enter Jurgen Klopp. The charismatic German, currently on a break from top-level management after leaving Liverpool, is rumored to be open to talks with Real Madrid.
According to reports in Spain, “Klopp would jump at the opportunity to get back into top-level management if presented with the right role.” And there are few roles more prestigious or more pressure-filled than the Madrid hot seat. His intensity and style could offer a stark contrast to Ancelotti’s measured approach, a new energy for a team desperate for a fresh spark.
Andoni Iraola – The quiet contender
Also in the mix is Andoni Iraola, the 42-year-old manager currently steering AFC Bournemouth to an impressive top-half Premier League finish. While he may lack the elite-level pedigree of his competitors, Iraola’s tactical acumen and Spanish roots make him a dark horse candidate. His rise from Rayo Vallecano to Premier League respectability has earned him admirers in high places.
Zinedine Zidane – The legend’s third act?
Of course, no Real Madrid managerial shortlist is complete without Zinedine Zidane. The French icon, who previously guided Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, remains out of work, but never out of speculation.
Though he has shown little interest in returning to management since 2021, insiders suggest the allure of another stint at the Bernabeu could prove irresistible. His previous success and legendary status make him the only candidate with the immediate gravitas to calm Madrid’s tempestuous waters.
