The Pressure Mounts on Ancelotti
Real Madrid finds itself at a critical juncture as the 2024-2025 season progresses. The club’s recent 1-1 draw against Osasuna has disrupted their La Liga title charge, allowing rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to close the gap at the top of the table. Despite the draw, manager Carlo Ancelotti has managed to weather the storm of pressure that threatened his position at the end of 2024. However, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining his future with the club. The board is not yet hitting the panic button, as Ancelotti remains in a strong position to advance Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League knockouts and defend their domestic crown. His ability to secure a fightback win against Manchester City last week has only strengthened his case, and a positive result in the second leg on February 19 could solidify his position further.
The Performance Benchmark
For Ancelotti to secure his place at Real Madrid, the minimum requirement is to win La Liga and at least reach the Champions League semi-finals. However, holding onto both titles may be the ultimate determinant of his future. The veteran coach has faced significant challenges this season, but his experience and tactical acumen have kept the club in contention for major honors. Ancelotti’s track record with the club, including his past success in winning the Champions League and La Liga, speaks volumes about his capabilities. However, the pressure is palpable, and the board will be closely monitoring the team’s performance in the coming weeks to decide whether to continue with Ancelotti or make a change.
Xabi Alonso on the Radar
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the club’s ongoing interest in Xabi Alonso, who is currently managing Bayer Leverkusen. According to reports from Relevo, Real Madrid is keeping a close eye on Alonso’s situation, with his contract with Leverkusen set to expire in 2026, mirroring Ancelotti’s. Alonso has made significant strides with Leverkusen, leading the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024. However, his team now faces a daunting challenge to catch up with Bayern Munich in the league standings. Despite this, the report suggests that Alonso has reached an agreement with Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro, ensuring that the club will not block him from breaking his contract and joining Real Madrid this summer if the opportunity arises.
The Contract Dynamics
Alonso’s potential move to Real Madrid is contingent on the club’s performance this season. If Ancelotti fails to meet the minimum benchmarks set by the board, Alonso could be seen as a strong candidate to take over. The alignment of their contracts—both expiring in 2026—makes the transition smoother in terms of timing and logistics. Leverkusen’s willingness to facilitate Alonso’s departure, should Real Madrid come calling, indicates a mutual understanding and respect between the clubs. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process at Real Madrid, as the board weighs the immediate performance against the long-term vision for the club.
The Importance of Trophies
Ultimately, the board’s decision will be driven by the team’s performance and the acquisition of trophies. Winning La Liga and progressing to the later stages of the Champions League are non-negotiable goals for a club of Real Madrid’s stature. Ancelotti’s experience and recent success in turning around key matches, such as the win against Manchester City, provide strong arguments for retaining him. However, the club’s ambitions and the potential for a fresh perspective with Xabi Alonso cannot be overlooked. The battle for titles will be a deciding factor in who takes the helm at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu next season, with both Ancelotti and Alonso well-positioned to lead the club to success.
The Future Awaits
As the season progresses, the pressure on Ancelotti will only intensify, but his veteran status and past successes offer him a strong foundation. The coming weeks will be crucial, with every match and every result bringing the club closer to a decision. Xabi Alonso’s potential availability adds an element of intrigue, but the ultimate choice will hinge on the club’s immediate and long-term objectives. Whether it is Ancelotti’s continued leadership or Alonso’s fresh approach, Real Madrid is poised to maintain its status as one of the most formidable teams in world football. The future at the Bernabeu is uncertain, but the club’s determination to succeed is unwavering.
