Following a disappointing elimination in the Champions League against Arsenal, Real Madrid must now analyze its situation and make crucial decisions—not just for next season, but for the remainder of this one. There is no more time to waste.

In any other season, the club would typically wait until the end of the campaign, but this season is entirely different. Their remaining major objective is not winning La Liga or even the Copa del Rey final, though facing Barcelona in that final could be tempting.

The primary challenge now revolves around the inaugural Club World Cup, a tournament that Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez have had in their plans since the start of the season. For reasons of prestige, international credibility, and brand consolidation in key markets like North America, winning the first edition of FIFA’s new tournament is a strategic priority. As a result, they are evaluating the best options to enter this competition with the highest possible guarantees.

The Feeling of an Ending Cycle

The discussion revolves around the choice of manager. Carlo Ancelotti has lost much of his credibility this season, and his poor performance in the two-legged knockout tie against Arsenal has reinforced the belief among the club’s hierarchy that the team has long since moved on from him and that his time is up.

As usual, Ancelotti was expected to remain on the bench for the Copa del Rey final and part ways amicably at the end of the season—unless a fundamental change in the team’s performance saw them win both titles. Additionally, the Brazilian Football Federation has been waiting for him for over a year and is eager to secure his services in July.

Interim Coach or Xabi Alonso Ready for the Club World Cup?

The problem is that La Liga ends on May 25, and Real Madrid will play its first Club World Cup match on July 18 against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia. The club is evaluating alternative scenarios to act before the deadline if the team’s inconsistent form continues or worsens after the Copa del Rey final.

One option available to the club is appointing an interim coach—someone like Santiago Solari or Raúl. However, the most suitable solution would be for the new manager to take charge a few weeks before the Club World Cup to work with the players. Although many international players will be involved in the Nations League finals or World Cup qualifiers in South America from July 4 to 8.

That new manager will be Xabi Alonso, as he is the candidate who has convinced Florentino Pérez the most. Alonso is currently focused on Bayer Leverkusen but is waiting for Real Madrid’s call to activate his release clause—a clause that allows him to leave the club if he receives an offer from Real Madrid or Liverpool, with compensation paid for terminating his contract early.

Another issue is whether Xabi Alonso would be willing to take charge of a physically and mentally exhausted team in July, preparing to enter an extremely demanding tournament like the Club World Cup at the end of the season.