Carlo Ancelotti Extends Best Wishes to Xabi Alonso Ahead of Real Madrid’s Final Game
Carlo Ancelotti, the outgoing manager of Real Madrid, has sent his best wishes to Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to succeed him as the next manager of the Spanish giants. Although Alonso’s appointment has not been officially confirmed by Real Madrid, he is rumored to take over this summer before the Club World Cup.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his last match at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Sociedad, Ancelotti expressed his support for Alonso. He stated, “I don’t want to give him advice—everyone has their footballing ideas. Xabi is next in line. I wish him all the luck in the world. He’s got the qualities needed to manage this club and this team. I hope he enjoys it.”
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss, recently led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, along with a German Cup triumph, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising coaching prospects.
After six successful seasons at Real Madrid over two spells, during which he won 15 trophies including three Champions League titles, Ancelotti, 65, is set to step down and take over as the head coach of the Brazilian national team this summer.
The veteran coach admitted that his farewell from Real Madrid will be an emotional moment. He said, “It’s in my genes—I get emotional very easily. My grandfather and father were the same. Tomorrow will be a very emotional day. I have no issue if I end up crying. I won’t hide it—it will be a beautiful day.”
Saturday’s match against Real Sociedad will also mark Luka Modrić’s final appearance at the Bernabéu before he participates in the Club World Cup in the United States and leaves Madrid. Ancelotti shared his sentiments about Modrić, calling him a “fantastic, true legend” and expressing his appreciation for the midfielder’s contribution to the club.
In a heartfelt farewell letter posted on social media, Ancelotti described his connection to Real Madrid as “eternal” and expressed gratitude for the unforgettable moments and achievements during his time at the club.
Real Madrid officially confirmed Ancelotti’s departure a year before his contract was set to expire, praising him as a true legend of the club and world football. Club president Florentino Pérez acknowledged Ancelotti’s success and representation of the club’s values, stating, “Carlo Ancelotti will always be part of the great Madridista family.”
Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid saw him guide the team to their long-awaited tenth European title in 2014 during his first spell, and he returned in 2021 to win two more Champions League trophies in 2022 and 2024. With a total of five Champions League titles to his name, including two with AC Milan and three with Real Madrid, Ancelotti remains the most successful manager in the competition’s history.
