Departing Ancelotti wishes Alonso luck as his Real Madrid successor

AFP | Madrid

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wished the man set to replace him, Xabi Alonso, “all the luck in the world” yesterday, before taking charge of his final game at the club.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso is set to take over ahead of the Club World Cup, although Madrid have not yet named him officially as their next coach.

Ancelotti spoke before Saturday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad in La Liga, his last game before taking the reins of the Brazil national team.

“I don’t want to give advice because everyone has their own idea about football,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
“Xabi is the first (to come after me), I wish him all the luck in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to coach this club, this team — enjoy it.”

Then-Bayern Munich head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) in conversation with then-midfielder Xabi Alonso during a training session in 2016 (file photo)

Former Real Madrid midfielder Alonso, 43, won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 after a stunning unbeaten season, along with the German Cup.

Ancelotti has coached Madrid for six seasons, split across two spells at the club, winning 15 trophies.