Following the humiliating 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, a cross-town rival, Carlo Ancelotti is under intense scrutiny. Even though Real Madrid had won every game this season prior to the trip to the Metropolitano Stadium, questions are now being raised about the Italian icon. Additionally, it appears that the club may already be considering their future boss.

Ancelotti won the La Liga and Champions League double in his first season back at Real Madrid, which was tremendously successful. The succeeding season, however, was disappointing in comparison. The club had very erratic league play, and in a heartbreaking semifinal loss to Manchester City, they were eliminated from the Champions League. The Copa del Rey was indeed theirs to win.

Los Blancos had a perfect start to the season before the defeat to Atletico, which benefited Ancelotti. But things have abruptly changed lately.

Journalist Matias Prats was a guest on Radio MARCA, and according to MARCA, he stated:

“Xabi Alonso is the early favorite to take over as the team’s coach for the upcoming season,”

The following Real Madrid manager has already been selected

After five games, Bayer Leverkusen is in second place in the Bundesliga thanks to Xabi Alonso’s outstanding leadership. Even though Thomas Tuchel’s team triumphed 7-0 at the weekend, they are just behind league leaders Bayern Munich on goal differential and have the same number of points.

Alonso has long been linked to the Real Madrid position, and these rumors have been around for some time. The Spaniard is seen as the best candidate for the hot seat at Santiago Bernabeu because of the excellent job he has done since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in October of last year.

Alonso just agreed to a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen that lasts until the summer of 2026. That may be a challenge for Real Madrid in their pursuit of the Spaniard. It wouldn’t be insurmountable, either, if the Spanish giants truly wanted him.