Xabi Alonso set to be appointed Real Madrid manager, starting at Club World Cup

Real Madrid have finally secured Xabi Alonso as their next manager on a three-year contract running until 2028.

The appointment ends speculation about a transitional set-up, as Madrid have decided against using an interim manager for the Club World Cup.

The tournament is viewed as a priority by president Florentino Perez, both for the prestige of winning the inaugural expanded edition and for the lucrative financial rewards, which could reach €150 million.

Alonso will step in immediately after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, with no waiting period.

According to Marca, Madrid informed Alonso last week that the new era would begin at the Club World Cup, a move framed as non-negotiable.

The timing reflects the club’s desire to maintain continuity and momentum, despite the abrupt nature of the handover.

Ancelotti will leave for the Brazil national team, while Alonso takes over with little time to implement his methods.

It is a bold move that places Alonso in a high-stakes environment from day one. He inherits a squad that has struggled this season and is dealing with injuries, fatigue and uncertainty over player futures.

Training time will be limited as most players will join their national teams before the tournament, leaving Alonso with little opportunity to implement significant tactical changes.

He plans to introduce a five-man defence, although it remains to be seen whether that shift will begin this summer or wait until the 2025-26 campaign.

Alonso has earned widespread praise for his work at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the club to a Bundesliga title and transforming them into one of Europe’s most dynamic sides.

His return to Madrid, where he spent five years as a player, has felt increasingly inevitable since speculation over Ancelotti’s exit began.

Alonso bid farewell to Leverkusen fans on Friday, calling his three-year spell ‘unbelievable’ and ’emotional’. He described the moment as the right time to say goodbye and look ahead.