After crashing out of the Champions League last night Carlo Ancelotti's position at Madrid is under scrutiny.
Carlo Ancelotti’s position at Real Madrid is under intense scrutiny after their 5-1 aggregate Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal.
Despite winning 11 trophies since 2021, including two Champions Leagues, the Italian faces mounting pressure following a season marked by inconsistency, tactical criticism, and underuse of younger talent.
Injuries and a thin squad have exposed deeper structural issues, while Ancelotti’s future remains unclear despite a contract until 2026.
Xabi Alonso, fresh off a Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, is emerging as a frontrunner to replace him.
With La Liga and the Copa del Rey still in play, silverware may be Ancelotti’s lifeline.
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Next Real Madrid Manager Odds
| Manager | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Xabi Alonso | 6/4 | 40% |
| Andoni Iraola | 4/1 | 20% |
| Jurgen Klopp | 8/1 | 11% |
| Zinedine Zidane | 12/1 | 8% |
| Herrero Michel | 20/1 | 5% |
Who is the favourite to be the next Real Madrid manager?
Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid at a best price of 6/4 with Bet Victor, with his stock rising rapidly after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023/24 and a Europa League final.
His tactical identity—built around intensity, pressing, and fluid movement—offers a refreshing contrast to Ancelotti’s more pragmatic style.
Crucially, Alonso’s deep-rooted connection to Madrid, having lifted the Champions League with the club in 2014, strengthens his appeal to Florentino Pérez, who favors former players with club DNA.
Talks have reportedly taken place, and with Alonso rejecting Liverpool and Bayern in 2024, it’s clear Madrid is the job he’s been waiting for.
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Andoni Iraola has quietly entered the conversation as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid at a best price of 4/1 with bet365, though he remains very much a Plan B behind frontrunner Xabi Alonso.
The 42-year-old has earned plaudits for his work at Bournemouth, guiding the Cherries to the brink of European qualification with an aggressive, front-footed style that’s turned heads in Spain.
Victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham have highlighted his tactical sharpness, while his earlier success with Rayo Vallecano—where he earned promotion and reached a Copa del Rey semi-final—proves his ability to overachieve with limited resources.
Reports from Spain confirm he’s on Madrid’s managerial shortlist however, Iraola’s lack of Champions League pedigree and absence of major silverware may count against him in the high-stakes Bernabéu environment.
Jürgen Klopp remains a high-profile option in Real Madrid’s search for a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti at 8/1 with William Hill, but several obstacles make his appointment in summer 2025 unlikely.
The former Liverpool boss, now 57, boasts one of the most impressive résumés in modern football, with Champions League and Premier League triumphs highlighting his pedigree.
His high-octane tactical philosophy and proven ability to rebuild squads would undoubtedly appeal to Madrid’s hierarchy, especially with a young, dynamic core built around Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham.
However, Klopp’s current sabbatical following his Liverpool exit, combined with his strategic role at Red Bull, signals he may not be ready for the immediate intensity of the Bernabéu hot seat.
