It is reported that Real Madrid has finalized its contract with manager Xabi Alonso (44).

On the 9th (Korean time), Spain's 'Marca' reported, "Real Madrid has put an end to the Carlo Ancelotti (66) era and is starting a new chapter with manager Xabi Alonso, who is leading Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen," adding, "A three-year contract has been signed with manager Xabi Alonso."

According to the article, Real has decided to part ways with manager Ancelotti after the La Liga final against Real Sociedad scheduled for May 26. Manager Alonso has a year left on his contract with Leverkusen. However, both parties have agreed to part ways through a 'gentleman's agreement.'

Real and manager Xabi Alonso have already completed the contract, and only the announcement is pending. This is to allow manager Ancelotti to focus on the league championship race. Real and manager Ancelotti are also already preparing for their farewells.

Manager Xabi Alonso, who has played for Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, is known as "someone who knows Real Madrid better than anyone." Managers Ancelotti and Alonso also established a mentor-mentee relationship during their time at Bayern Munich.

After retiring as a player, manager Xabi Alonso began his coaching career in 2018 with the Real youth team, then went on to manage Real Sociedad B before taking the helm at Leverkusen starting in 2022.

Manager Xabi Alonso proved his leadership by winning both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal (German Football Association Cup) in 2024. Notably, he ended Bayern Munich's 11-year title streak, giving Leverkusen its first Bundesliga championship.

Manager Xabi Alonso has agreed to respect the club's principle of player acquisitions centered around the club. Instead of a major squad overhaul, the focus will be on improving the performances of key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham.

So far, Real has completed the acquisition of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and is pursuing a left-back as well. They are also preparing to reinforce the central defense and midfield.

The coaching staff that will work with manager Xabi Alonso has already been assembled. Sebastián Parrilla, who has been with the youth system, has joined, and Alberto Encinas, who has worked in Barcelona, the United States, and Denmark, will serve as the physical coach.

The status of coach Antonio Pintus, who has been responsible for physical training under the existing Ancelotti regime, is unclear. Since he has been working with the club, there is a possibility he may stay. Goalkeeping coach Luis Yopiz will remain.

Real is placing great importance on the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for June. Therefore, since manager Ancelotti will be leaving the team, discussions are ongoing about having football director Santiago Solari and others temporarily take charge.

Manager Xabi Alonso is expected to lead the team immediately after the Club World Cup. However, it is anticipated that scheduling conflicts may arise as it coincides with the end-of-July preparations for the new season.

Meanwhile, manager Ancelotti has lifted a total of 15 trophies at Real Madrid. His accolades include three UEFA Champions League titles, three Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cups, surpassing legendary manager Miguel Muñoz for the most titles in history.

Manager Ancelotti's likely next destination appears to be the Brazil national team. The contract is expected to run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

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