The Athletic FC Podcast Summary

Title: Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Guillermo Rai (Real Madrid Writer), Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero
Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. Introduction and Context

The episode delves into the speculative future of Real Madrid's managerial position following Carlo Ancelotti's expected departure. Host Ayo Akinwolere sets the stage by highlighting Real Madrid's recent exit from the Champions League and the growing anticipation around Xabi Alonso potentially stepping into Ancelotti's shoes.

2. Carlo Ancelotti's Future at Real Madrid

Key Discussion Points:

• Ancelotti's popularity and success at Real Madrid.
• The impact of the recent Champions League defeat to Arsenal on his tenure.
• The timing of his possible departure amidst ongoing La Liga and Copa del Rey campaigns.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero ([02:06]):
  “Ancelotti is extremely popular, well respected owing to his remarkable success and also long storied and historic career.”

• Guillermo Rai ([04:01]):
  “It’s not the best timing… they have a major challenge against Barcelona and want to stay focused.”

• Ayo Akinwolere ([05:07]):
  “Ancelotti said… 'Stress is fuel for me. It doesn’t bother me. It gives me more energy to think about more things.'”

3. The Pressure of Managing Real Madrid

Key Discussion Points:

• Ancelotti's ability to handle immense pressure, likened to “wearing the stress.”
• Comparison with other top managers’ capabilities in high-pressure environments.
• The challenges faced during the season, including key player losses.

Notable Quotes:

• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero ([06:06]):
  “Ancelotti just seems the perfect manager for that kind of environment. He really is as cool as a cucumber.”

• Ayo Akinwolere ([06:06]):
  “How many more kind of coaches in the global game right now can wear that stress of managing Real Madrid?”

4. Xabi Alonso as an Inevitable Replacement?

Key Discussion Points:

• Alonso's current role at Bayer Leverkusen and his potential move to Real Madrid.
• The nature of the "gentleman’s agreement" between Alonso and Leverkusen.
• Alonso's readiness and suitability for the Real Madrid managerial role.

Notable Quotes:

• Guillermo Rai ([14:22]):
  “If Xabi is approached by any former club, then Leverkusen will set him free.”

• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero ([17:17]):
  “He has all the credit. He can be anywhere.”

5. Perspectives from Leverkusen and Alonso’s Position

Key Discussion Points:

• Leverkusen CEO Fernando Caro's stance on Alonso’s potential move.
• The contractual obligations and possible breakout clause influencing the transfer.
• The relationship dynamics between Alonso and his current club.

Notable Quotes:

• Guillermo Rai ([16:45]):
  “Fernando Carro confirmed that there was indeed a gentleman's agreement between Xabi and Leverkusen.”

• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero ([13:07]):
  “Leverkusen will not keep him prisoner. They’ve always said they won’t interfere if he wants to leave.”

6. Real Madrid's Current Season and Fan Expectations

Key Discussion Points:

• Real Madrid's performance in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
• Fan expectations rooted in the club’s history of Champions League successes.
• The challenge of integrating Alonso's coaching philosophy with the existing squad.

Notable Quotes:

• Guillermo Rai ([21:09]):
  “Real Madrid fan base are completely aware about the club situation… they have the right to be so.”

• Ayo Akinwolere ([22:46]):
  “He likes a little bit more structure, as we’ve seen, and he’s got a particular system.”

7. Potential Signings and Squad Considerations

Key Discussion Points:

• The necessity of strengthening Real Madrid's defense and midfield.
• Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz as potential targets under Alonso’s management.
• The impact of Alonso’s signings on the existing squad dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Guillermo Rai ([27:29]):
  “Jonathan Tah’s option is like the classical or the typical move. It’s a Madrid signing right there.”

• Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero ([29:43]):
  “Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrigo as well, Bellingham… Wirtz would bring something very different to those players.”

8. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Key Discussion Points:

• The critical role of the upcoming matches in determining Ancelotti’s future.
• The strategic importance of the Copa del Rey final and the Classico against Barcelona.
• The broader implications for La Liga’s competitiveness and Real Madrid’s standing.

Notable Quotes:

• Guillermo Rai ([31:01]):
  “He has to deal with that, along with all the changes that they didn’t have to have, obviously.”

• Ayo Akinwolere ([33:23]):
  “It has been a really interesting season in La Liga.”

Final Thoughts

The podcast provides an in-depth analysis of the potential managerial shift at Real Madrid, focusing on Xabi Alonso as a prominent candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Through expert insights from Guillermo Rai and Thomas Gil Lopez Manchero, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in such a transition, the pressures of managing a top-tier club, and the strategic considerations that could shape Real Madrid’s future both on and off the pitch.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the original podcast transcript segments for accurate reference.