Real Madrid Prepare ‘Succession Plan’ with Two Clear Ancelotti Replacements Identified Amid Manchester United and Barcelona Interest

Real Madrid are already planning for life after Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports, as the Spanish giants have outlined a ‘succession plan’ to replace the veteran manager.
Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid ahead of the 2021/22 season, having left Everton to embark on his second stint with the club. His tenure has been nothing short of successful, leading the team to multiple major titles, including two La Liga triumphs and another Champions League trophy.

However, with the 65-year-old reaching the twilight of his managerial career, Real Madrid are beginning to assess potential successors. Despite a respectable record, the club’s start to the 2023/24 season has been mixed, with two wins and two draws, raising speculation about long-term leadership.

Zidane and Alonso Touted as Successors
A report from Spain claims that Real Madrid already have “two clear replacements” in mind for when Ancelotti eventually steps down. The club is reportedly looking at former Madrid icons Zinedine Zidane and Xabi Alonso as the top candidates to take over. Both are deeply connected to the club and have significant managerial experience, positioning them as frontrunners for the role.

While Ancelotti remains focused on the task at hand, aiming to avoid distractions and keep his players concentrated on the season ahead, the club is laying the groundwork for a smooth transition. The Italian manager has previously stated that he has no intention of retiring soon, as long as his passion for the game remains. However, both he and Real Madrid’s board recognize that results will ultimately determine his future at the Bernabéu.

Zidane Rejects Manchester United Interest
Interestingly, Zidane—one of Real Madrid’s potential future coaches—has been linked with the Manchester United job as Erik ten Hag’s position comes under scrutiny following a poor start to the season. Despite this, Zidane has distanced himself from a move to the Premier League club, citing his lack of fluency in English as a key reason.

“I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent,” Zidane said, adding that he prefers to manage in environments where he is fully comfortable with the language and culture.

As Real Madrid continue to monitor Ancelotti’s tenure, the club is keeping its options open, with Zidane and Alonso emerging as the leading candidates to guide Los Blancos into the next era.
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing for life after Carlo Ancelotti, outlining a “succession plan” to replace the veteran manager. Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid in the 2021/22 season, has had a successful tenure, securing multiple major titles, including two La Liga championships and another Champions League victory. Despite this success, his future at the club remains uncertain, as Real Madrid has experienced a mixed start to the 2023/24 season with two wins and two draws, sparking discussions about his long-term leadership.

**Zinedine Zidane and Xabi Alonso as Potential Successors**

According to reports from Spain, Real Madrid have identified two potential successors to Ancelotti: Zinedine Zidane and Xabi Alonso. Both are club legends with strong managerial credentials. Zidane, who has already enjoyed two successful spells as Real Madrid’s manager, remains a fan favorite, while Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, has impressed with his tactical acumen and understanding of the game.

While Ancelotti remains committed to his current role and has no immediate plans to retire, he and Real Madrid’s board understand that his future will be determined by the team’s results. In the meantime, Real Madrid is preparing for a smooth managerial transition, ensuring continuity at the club.

**Zidane’s Decision Against Manchester United**

Interestingly, Zinedine Zidane has reportedly turned down the opportunity to manage Manchester United, where Erik ten Hag’s position is under scrutiny due to a poor start to the season. Zidane cited his limited fluency in English as a reason for rejecting the Premier League job, stating, “I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent.” This decision reinforces his preference to manage in environments where he is comfortable with the language and culture, keeping him a more likely candidate for a return to Real Madrid.

As Real Madrid continues to assess Ancelotti’s tenure, the club is positioning itself for a future led by either Zidane or Alonso, two figures deeply connected to the club’s history and values.