Xabi Alonso is set to become the new coach of Real Madrid immediately, taking charge for the Club World Cup. The club and Alonso, who will replace Carlo Ancelotti, have reportedly agreed that the new project will commence right away with the tournament held this summer in the United States.
This competition is considered vitally important by Florentino Pérez and the Real Madrid board. The significant prize money at stake, nearly 150 million euros, is a major draw for Real, which is aiming for victory. This ambition is reportedly the reason behind the decision to start immediately with the Spanish manager, who has been entrusted with the team`s future under a three-year contract. According to Spanish media reports, this means there will be no temporary solution with a caretaker coach like Solari.
The decision to appoint Alonso to lead the team for the World Cup in the United States was reportedly made last week during discussions where the club presented the immediate start as the clear path forward. The new season for “Los Merengues” effectively begins with this tournament, and sources cited by Marca suggest “it made no sense to hire a coach and leave him at home to plan the season while entrusting someone like Solari with responsibility for such an important event.” Consequently, Alonso is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen and begin coaching Real Madrid from June 1st.