Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Xabi Alonso will be replacing him as manager of the capital giants.
Alonso's departure from Bayer Leverkusen has already been confirmed, while Real Madrid officially announced on Friday morning that Saturday's La Liga game with Real Sociedad would mark the end of Ancelotti's time at Bernabeu.
There has not yet been an official announcement from Los Blancos regarding Alonso, but Ancelotti, speaking during his press conference on Friday, confirmed that the Spaniard would be arriving as the team's new head coach.
"I don't want to give advice, everyone has their own methodology. But enjoy Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso will be the first and I wish him all the luck in the world. He has the quality to coach Real Madrid. Let him enjoy it, that's what I have to say," said Ancelotti.
© Imago
Ancelotti confirms Alonso will replace him at Real Madrid
A statement from Real Madrid on Friday morning read: "Real Madrid C. F. and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to bring an end to his time as Real Madrid coach. Our club wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation for a man who is a true legend of both Real Madrid and world football.
"Carlo Ancelotti has led our team through one of its most successful spells in our 123-year history, lifting more trophies than any other coach in our club's colours: 3 European Cups, 3 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 2 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 2 Spanish Super Cups, for a total of 15 titles in his six seasons at the helm.
"The Santiago Bernabeu will pay tribute to Carlo Ancelotti tomorrow, at what will be his final game as Real Madrid coach. Real Madrid wishes him and all his family the very best of luck in this new chapter of his life."
Meanwhile, club president Florentino Perez said: "Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great madridista family. We feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club's values in such exemplary fashion."
© Imago
Ancelotti has lifted three European Cups at Real Madrid
Ancelotti is coming to the end of his second spell in charge of Real Madrid, and he has won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns, two Spanish Super Cups, three Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and the Intercontinental Cup during his time with the Spanish giants.
"[Tomorrow will be special] A lot, it's inevitable. It's my last match. Always, when a stage comes to an end there is a lot of emotion. And this is happening to me. But I'm not sad, not at all, but very happy," said Ancelotti.
"I've tried to do my best and we're leaving here happy and content, because sooner or later... this had to happen. Thank you for this time: players, club, president... we've had a great time during this time, I have.
"With a lot of affection, help and gratitude for the opportunity to coach spectacular players. This is coming to an end, it has been quite long, but it has ended well. I have never argued with the president and I never will. Not on the last day either. So far, so good.
"And a new stage begins, and I'm going into it with the same enthusiasm with which I arrived here. It has been a successful period, we have won a lot and I consider that holding more than 700 press conferences with you is also a success (laughs).
"We have had a good time. But putting up with 700... don't think it has been so easy. Some questions have not always been nice."
Alonso will be in charge of Real Madrid at the 2025 Club World Cup, with Los Blancos due to take on Al-Hilal, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti will officially become Brazil's new head coach on Sunday, and the Italian will be bidding to lead the South American nation into the 2026 World Cup.
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Matt Law
