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Revealed: What Carlo Ancelotti must do to avoid Real Madrid sack with Xabi Alonso waiting in wings as replacement

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<p>The Italian may still have his side on course for back-to-back La Liga titles but if he wishes to keep his job he will have to avoid any slip-ups and make sure the trophy stays at Santiago Bernabeu. The Real Madrid hierarchy also believe that failure to reach at least the semi-finals of the Champions League would be enough reason to axe Ancelotti, <a href="https://www.relevo.com/futbol/liga-primera/pacto-xabi-alonso-leverkusen-venir-20250213165941-nt.html" target="_blank">according to Relevo</a>. Ancelotti's future is put into doubt further by the potential availability of Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso, who has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/xabi-alonso-responds-rumours-wanted-real-madrid-carlo-ancelotti-step-down/bltbcea6533684689c2" target="_blank">long been tipped for the job at the Bernabeu</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The report from <em>Relevo </em>also suggests that Alonso has a gentlemen's agreement with the Leverkusen executives that he will be allowed to depart the German champions should Madrid approach him. The Spanish coach, who spent five seasons as a player with Real, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/bayer-leverkusen--xabi-alonso-finish-bundesliga-season-unbeaten/blt08fd2a02dbf933b6" target="_blank">went unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season</a> and is believed to be interested in the job should the opportunity arise.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Alonso has distanced himself from the job already, claiming he does not want to leave Germany mid-season. However, with his contract expiring in 2026, his stance could change come the end of the season. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/xabi-alonso-responds-rumours-wanted-real-madrid-carlo-ancelotti-step-down/bltbcea6533684689c2#csf58e3ae8219aadd7" target="_blank">He said</a>: "I can’t say anything, we’re in the middle of a season and all the clubs have big goals.</p><p>"Over the years, time passes, but the affection [for Madrid] endures. That relationship is unforgettable, and it is appreciated because the bond is very strong. It was a very nice stage as a player, they were very intense years. It was difficult for us to get what we wanted and it was very celebrated when we achieved it."</p>

WHAT ALONSO SAID

<p>Ancelotti will be under pressure to deliver a positive result this week as his side look to progress to the Champions League round of 16. They <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-city-kryptonite-real-madrid-champions-league-record-last-ditch-winner-pep-guardiola/blt8872fac34772c9a8" target="_blank">have a 3-2 lead over Manchester City</a> going into the second leg of their play-off tie, but the contest is far from over - particularly if the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-city-player-ratings-vs-newcastle-omar-marmoush-savinho/bltdf8922d8a221eda8" target="_blank">visitors replicate their dismantling of Newcastle</a> in Madrid.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Revealed: What Carlo Ancelotti must do to avoid Real Madrid sack with Xabi Alonso waiting in wings as replacement | Goal.com

Carlo Ancelotti has been tasked with winning more silverware if he is to remain in the Real Madrid job beyond this summer.

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