Florentino Pérez, Ancelotti, and Xabi Alonso: A Verbal Pact That Shapes Real Madrid’s Future
Despite no official signatures, the future of Real Madrid’s leadership seems verbally sealed. Ancelotti heads to Brazil, Alonso returns home, and Klopp’s late entry may have come too late.
In the ever-shifting world of football, agreements often hinge not on inked contracts but on the strength of a handshake. Such is the case with three key figures whose mutual respect and personal integrity seem to outweigh formalities: Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, outgoing coach Carlo Ancelotti, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso. Though nothing has been formally signed, the understanding among them appears unshakable.
According to sources close to the situation, Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the current LaLiga season, fulfilling his commitment before taking on a new challenge as head coach of the Brazilian national team. Simultaneously, Xabi Alonso is poised to return to Madrid, this time as manager, after informing Bayer Leverkusen that he will not continue beyond this season. The Bundesliga side has already begun its search for a replacement, although there remains a sliver of hope that Alonso might reconsider.
A year ago, Alonso turned down offers from both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, choosing instead to stay with Leverkusen—a club that played a crucial role in his evolution as a coach. However, after an impressive season and with Real Madrid calling, the opportunity now appears too significant to decline. Although Leverkusen would love to delay his departure by another year, Alonso’s heart seems set on Madrid.
Mutual Respect Between Pérez and Ancelotti
What’s particularly striking about the current transition is the lack of drama. Florentino Pérez and Carlo Ancelotti maintain a strong and respectful relationship, rare in modern football. Both men seem to understand that a change is necessary—not out of dissatisfaction, but from a mutual recognition of new personal and professional chapters. For Ancelotti, the chance to coach Brazil, a team rich in history and talent, represents an extraordinary final act in an already storied career. For Pérez, opening a new managerial era under Xabi Alonso offers continuity, renewal, and a nod to the club’s illustrious past.
As it stands, everything is agreed upon in principle. While the football world thrives on speculation and last-minute twists, those close to the matter are confident that these verbal commitments will be honored. “When Xabi gives his word, the deal is done,” said a close associate familiar with Alonso’s thinking.
Klopp’s Late Bid: Too Little, Too Late?
One unexpected development in recent weeks was the emergence of Jürgen Klopp as a possible candidate for the Madrid job. Following his departure from Liverpool, Klopp reportedly held two informal conversations with representatives linked to Real Madrid. Initially uncertain about returning to club management, he has since warmed to the idea. However, it appears his interest may have come too late.
Klopp’s profile remains elite—charismatic, experienced, and tactically sharp—but Real Madrid seems already committed to Alonso. The club values personal loyalty, and if verbal assurances have been made, it’s unlikely they will be broken. As MARCA reports, the German manager's name was floated, but with the main actors having already shaken hands, his chances appear slim.
A Future Built on Trust
If current developments stay the course, the end of May will mark the official end of Ancelotti’s second era at Real Madrid and the beginning of Xabi Alonso’s tenure. While Jürgen Klopp’s availability adds intrigue, this transition feels deeply personal and built on longstanding relationships.
In a sport often dominated by contracts and clauses, Real Madrid is proving that sometimes, a man’s word still carries weight. As the LaLiga season winds down, the Bernabéu prepares for a quiet revolution—one not shouted from rooftops but spoken in promises behind closed doors.