The elimination against Arsenal in the Champions League has prompted immediate reflection within Real Madrid. Although the season isn’t over yet, the club's leadership is already planning for the immediate future of the bench. Unlike in previous years, there’s no time to wait for summer. The reason is clear: the highly anticipated debut of the new FIFA Club World Cup.

The tournament, to be held in the United States, is seen as a strategic priority by Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez. More than domestic trophies, this event is viewed as a unique opportunity to strengthen the club's global image, especially in the North American market. Therefore, they want to approach it in the best possible condition — including on the coaching front.

End of an Era? Xabi Alonso Gains Momentum

In this scenario, Carlo Ancelotti’s future is increasingly uncertain. The general feeling inside the locker room and boardroom is that his cycle has come to an end. The lack of connection with the squad in key moments — like the clash with Arsenal — reinforces the belief that new leadership is needed. Normally, decisions like this would wait until the end of the season, but the calendar now demands urgency.

The Copa del Rey final and the last matches of LaLiga will be crucial, but if no clear improvement is seen, the club is seriously considering replacing the Italian manager before their Club World Cup debut on June 18 against Al Hilal.

Although there have been rumors linking Real Madrid with high-profile names like Jürgen Klopp, sources within the club have ruled that out entirely. Instead, two more viable routes are being explored: appointing an interim manager, like Santiago Solari or Raúl González, or fast-tracking the arrival of the man seen as the future of the project: Xabi Alonso.

Currently leading Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso remains focused on finishing a historic season in Germany. However, he continues to be the preferred choice of the Madrid hierarchy. A release clause in his contract allows him to leave if Real Madrid calls. The only question is whether he would be open to taking over a physically and mentally drained squad right before such a demanding tournament — especially with many players coming off international duties like the Nations League or South American qualifiers.

For now, the club is weighing its options carefully. But all signs point to Ancelotti's time at the Santiago Bernabéu drawing to a close.