Xabi Alonso now in ‘pole position’ to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid have set the date for Caro Ancelotti’s departure from the club as part of the aftermath of the team’s defeat to Barcelona for the third time this season.

The fallout in the final of the Copa del Rey means Los Blancos are now competing only for the La Liga title, and the manager’s days at the club are now numbered.

Ancelotti is set to depart at the end of the current league season and will not be on the bench for the upcoming Club World Cup, which means the hunt for a replacement is now real.

The favourite candidate

In the light of this event, two names have cropped up more than others in Real Madrid’s hunt for a new manager – Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso.

Xabi Alonso is Real Madrid’s favourite to replace Ancelotti. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

According to reports from Mario Cortegana now, Alonso is in the pole position to replace Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s new manager next season.

It is unclear when exactly the Bayer Leverkusen manager will join the club, but as confirmed by the German club’s CEO earlier, there is a clause in Alonso’s contract that will permit a departure.

It is rumoured that Alonso will likely arrive only after the Club World Cup, in time for next season. However, nothing can be ruled out at this point.

Klopp, on the other hand, is the other name receiving strong support from within the club and Real Madrid have called him twice in recent days to negotiate terms. His ability to manage dressing rooms with big egos is said to be the biggest advantage he has over Alonso.

The coming weeks will be decisive as Real Madrid look to turn a new leaf. The decision between Alonso and Klopp will be taken soon, but the club legend appears to be in the driver’s seat as it stands.