Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Xabi Alonso would succeed him after this weekend, hours after Los Blancos made it officially that he would leave the club. The Italian coach has a last game in the Santiago Bernabeu, while Real Sociedad travel to combat them in the last weekend of the La Liga season.
Alonso has already announced his exit and will be presented on Monday as Real Madrid manager, after a tribute to the departing Ancelotti and Luka Modric on Saturday. Ancelotti has already described Alonso's work as 'incredible' at Leverkusen, and he again supported him in his last press conference before the competition.
He was asked if he had advice for the next coach, and Ancelotti confirmed that Alonso would take over.
“I don't want to give advice because everyone has their own idea of football. It is a blessing to coach Real Madrid. Xabi is the first, he is a manager with all the characteristics that this club and this team coach, and I wish him all the happiness in the world. I hope he enjoys it.”
There was also a long Diatribe about the changes that took place in the course of his Real Madrid career. Ancelotti, who had been coaching for more than three decades, thanked his staff for helping him move with the times.
“Football has changed. It has changed in the last 10 years and it has changed in the last 20. I have done mathematics the other day … I have passed between my first and last Champions League wins. Football changes. Football changes and will continue to change. A young coaching staff has helped me to grow.
“Now preparing a game is much more analytical than before. There are many aspects that have changed in 20 years that you didn't even think about. There is a big difference between preparing a Champions League final in 2003 and 2025, you have much more to prepare you now. I am different from what I was in 1995.” “
About the emotion of leaving Real Madrid and then coming to Brazil so quickly.
“These are very nice feelings. It is clear that we are very enthusiastic about getting the chance … not to betray Madrid with another club and become a member of the national team. It is a big challenge. I love this opportunity, with the chance to prepare for a world cup with Brazil. These are very nice days and full of emotions.”
It will be a rapid change for Ancelotti, who, although he has had time to prepare himself, since he has known his fate for a few weeks, Brazil has to bring Blancos to World Cup qualifications less than two weeks after leaving Los Blancos. The Selecao has been in disappointing form for some time and have difficult tasks against Ecuador and Paraguay.