The Athletic FC Podcast: "Is Xabi Alonso Going to Real Madrid?"
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Hosts and Guests

• Ayo Akinwolere – Host
• David Ornstein – Real Madrid Correspondent
• Guillermo Ray – Real Madrid Writer
• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero – Football Analyst
• Seb Stafford Blur – German Football Correspondent

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the speculative yet pressing question: Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid? With Real Madrid's esteemed manager Carlo Ancelotti anticipated to depart following their recent Champions League exit, the discussion explores the potential of Alonso stepping into the managerial role and the implications for the club's future.

Carlo Ancelotti's Potential Departure

Ayo Akinwolere opens the discussion by referencing the recent Champions League defeat to Arsenal, highlighting the speculation around Carlo Ancelotti leaving Real Madrid this summer.

Ayo Akinwolere [05:24]: "After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summer. So when will it actually happen? And is Xabi Alonso the inevitable replacement?"

David Ornstein provides insights into Ancelotti's standing within the club and the uncertainty surrounding his departure.

David Ornstein [03:57]: "Ancelotti is extremely popular, well respected owing to his remarkable success and also long storied and historic career... Nothing is concrete just yet, but certainly that's the direction of travel."

He emphasizes that while Ancelotti's exit seems likely, Real Madrid's ongoing campaigns in La Liga and the Copa del Rey keep the timing of his departure uncertain.

Timing and Club Performance

Guillermo Ray discusses the challenging timing of Ancelotti's potential exit, considering Real Madrid's current standings.

Guillermo Ray [05:53]: "It's not the best timing... They are still competing for the La Liga title for the Copa del Rey... Ancelotti is up to the board, as is always."

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero adds that a major defeat, especially against rivals Barcelona, could expedite Ancelotti's departure.

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero [07:58]: "I do think there are signs this season that that pressure has amped up and has become untenable at times."

Xabi Alonso as a Potential Successor

The conversation pivots to Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen's manager, who is considered the frontrunner to replace Ancelotti.

Ayo Akinwolere [09:15]: "Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?"

Guillermo Ray elaborates on Alonso's qualifications and reputation, noting his success at Leverkusen and the challenges he would face at Real Madrid.

Guillermo Ray [09:37]: "Ancelotti is like, after these four years, this year's two Champions League titles and so on, he has all the credit and he can be anywhere... Xabi Alonso is the front runner for the job."

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero discusses Alonso's potential fit within Real Madrid's high-pressure environment.

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero [11:06]: "I think his experience there at the club as a player, he also left on his own terms. He knows how to manage those unique pressures, and players would look up to him."

Leverkusen's Position and Alonso's Future

Seb Stafford Blur, the German football correspondent, provides updates on Alonso's standing at Leverkusen amidst the rumors of his move to Real Madrid.

Seb Stafford Blur [15:33]: "Fernando Carro... said that Leverkusen will set him free if Alonso wants to go... They'll have to discuss the options."

Guillermo Ray confirms a gentleman's agreement between Alonso and Leverkusen, allowing for a potential move without obstructive tactics from the club.

Guillermo Ray [17:13]: "There was indeed a gentleman's agreement between Xavi and Leverkusen. If Xavi is approached by any former club, then Leverkusen will set him free."

Alonso's Coaching Philosophy and Real Madrid's Needs

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero analyzes how Alonso's coaching style could address Real Madrid's current deficiencies, particularly in midfield and defense.

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero [25:37]: "He would bring more structure, probably a more intricate style of play... his experience produces some bright ideas as well as to how to fix Madrid's midfield."

Guillermo Ray agrees but cautions that leading Real Madrid's first team presents a different challenge compared to his role at Leverkusen.

Guillermo Ray [22:01]: "When you arrive at Real as a coach of the first team is a completely different scenario... if Real Madrid have to pay something, because of the gentleman agreement, then the pressure will be higher."

Potential Signings and Squad Adjustments

The discussion shifts to Real Madrid's defensive woes and how Alonso might approach squad strengthening.

Ayo Akinwolere [30:13]: "What might be next for Real Madrid?... Jonathan Tah recently admitted that he won't be staying past the end of his contract at Bayern Leverkusen."

Guillermo Ray speculates on possible acquisitions like Jonathan Tah to bolster the defense.

Guillermo Ray [31:21]: "Jonathan Tah is a free agent and a typical move Madrid would consider signing to strengthen their defense."

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero emphasizes the need for Real Madrid to address central defense and midfield gaps left by departing players.

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero [32:29]: "Madrid have struggled to replace Toni Kroos... their problems are further back in defense, where they need to strengthen."

Real Madrid's Performance and Fan Expectations

Ayo Akinwolere reflects on Real Madrid's recent performances and the high expectations from their fanbase.

Ayo Akinwolere [24:25]: "Real Madrid usually win the Champions League... What a way to implement new ideas if Alonso takes over."

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero concurs, noting that Real Madrid fans expect immediate success given the club's history and star-studded roster.

Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero [25:37]: "They probably would expect instant success. That's what Madrid fans have come to expect of their team."

La Liga's Competitive Landscape

The hosts touch upon the broader implications for La Liga, emphasizing the competitiveness brought by both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Ayo Akinwolere [36:07]: "It's great that Barcelona come back, maybe Real Madrid come back the season after. It's good that perhaps Real Madrid don't win it all this season."

Guillermo Ray adds that Real Madrid's consistency keeps La Liga competitive despite the dominance of the two giants.

Guillermo Ray [36:34]: "La Liga has been a magnificent season. Very, very competitive... we are still discussing about this even that we are close to the end of the season."

Conclusion

As the season nears its end, Real Madrid stands at a crossroads with Carlo Ancelotti's possible departure and Xabi Alonso potentially taking the helm. The discussions throughout the episode highlight the complexities of such a transition, the high expectations from the fanbase, and the strategic moves required to maintain Real Madrid's stature in European football. Whether Alonso steps in remains to be seen, but his potential appointment could herald a new chapter for the club, balancing immediate pressures with long-term visions.

Notable Quotes:

• David Ornstein [03:57]: "Ancelotti is extremely popular, well respected owing to his remarkable success and also long storied and historic career."

• Ayo Akinwolere [07:00]: "Nowadays every game is a final is the right thing to say."

• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero [25:37]: "Whether he'd be given the time to actually implement that is another question."

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the The Athletic FC Podcast episode titled "Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?" Released on April 23, 2025.