Carlo Ancelotti had a brief respite after three consecutive La Liga victories, but defeats against Liverpool and Bilbao have once again reignited debate over his future. Los Blancos rarely tend to replace coaches mid-season, but already know their three immediate alternatives should they have to do so: Raul Gonzalez, Santiago Solari or Zinedine Zidane. However, Cadena SER claims there is a reluctance to see either of them in charge of the club due to problems, which should boost Ancelotti’s job security.
The Merengue are already planning the arrival of Xabi Alonso in 2025, and Zidane would not accept a return on a short-term contract before the end of the season. Sporting director Solari could take over on a temporary basis, as he did unsuccessfully in 2018, but that would send a message to the team that this is a short-term solution and that Alonso would arrive. The risk is then to see players drop in level for a long period until the end of the season.
Zidane says no
The last alternative is Castilla coach Raul. He has shown patience in this role and is currently in his sixth season managing talent in the club’s academy, but the club are concerned that he is overperforming in this role. Given his popularity with Real Madrid fans, if he succeeds it might be difficult to replace him and appoint Alonso.
It was recently denied that Alonso has made a decision on his future, but it is widely expected in Spain and Germany that the Bayer Leverkusen coach will be in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. His contract expires next summer and there has been no talk of a new lease.
