Once again, Real Madrid finds itself in a debate over the future of Carlo Ancelotti, a situation that could soon be addressed.
The club’s defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona has reignited discussions about the Italian coach’s future, especially after the tactical shortcomings displayed in the second loss to the Catalan side.
The options available to the Real Madrid board, led by Florentino Pérez, are limited if Ancelotti were to be dismissed. Zinedine Zidane, often mentioned as a potential replacement, remains tied to the French national team until mid-2026, making him an unattainable option for the time being.
Should Zidane be ruled out, Xabi Alonso emerges as a viable candidate. Currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso would only be available after the expiration of Ancelotti’s contract in 2026. Even before these recent debates, there were signs that the Madrid hierarchy viewed Alonso as the preferred candidate to lead the club’s future sporting project.
However, bringing him in before the summer of 2026 is unlikely. To address this challenge, reports indicate that another name is being considered within the club’s offices.
According to Relevo, Santiago Solari has emerged as the leading option if Ancelotti is dismissed before his contract ends. The Argentine, who briefly managed the team during the 2018/19 season, returned to Madrid two years ago as the club’s sporting director.
Since then, he has overseen the connection between the first team and “La Fábrica” academy, keeping a close eye on the club’s emerging talents. His previous managerial experience would prove beneficial during a transitional phase, should he take over on an interim basis until a permanent coach is appointed.
With Solari potentially stepping in as interim manager, Real Madrid remains prepared for the possibility of hiring a long-term replacement for Ancelotti, either in the near future or by the summer of 2026.
Despite all the speculations, reports suggest that there is currently a sense of calm within the club’s ranks.
