Xabi Alonso is believed to have drawn up a two-man shortlist of players he wants to sign as Real Madrid manager if he replaces Carlo Ancelotti. The Spaniard, who is currently head coach of Bayer Leverkusen,

Real Madrid are expected to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu after a very disappointing 2024-25 campaign. An

On the latest episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, Ayo Akinwolere was joined by Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss whether now is the right time for the 43-year-old to return to Madrid, and if he’s ready for the pressure that comes with managing one of the world’s biggest clubs. Watch the full discussion below.