Xabi Alonso is set to take over as Real Madrid coach after Carlo Ancelotti oversees his final game in charge on Saturday, and Los Blancos are not going to waste anytime in turning the page to a new era.
Madrid wrap up a disappointing 2024-25 campaign against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Ancelotti set to bid farewell as he prepares to become head coach of Brazil.
Alonso will then take the helm with multiple reports indicating he will be presented as Ancelotti’s successor next Monday.
The former Madrid midfielder, who led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24 before seeing his side dethroned as German champions by Bayern Munich this season, will not have too long to prepare his new team for their campaign in the revamped Club World Cup.
Madrid will travel to the United States next month for the inaugural 32-team edition of the tournament.
Alonso’s first game as Madrid boss will come against Al Hilal on June 18.
England star Jude Bellingham will be available to Alonso, though he will be sidelined for the start of the 2025-26 season as he will have shoulder surgery after the tournament.
Forward Endrick is set to miss the competition because of a hamstring issue, while the Club World Cup will mark the final act of Luka Modric’s Madrid career.
