Real Madrid kickstart plans to replace Carlo Ancelotti after their 4-0 loss to Barcelona - Reports
Real Madrid are planning to replace Carlo Ancelotti after Saturday's 4-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona, according to SPORT. Los Blancos have already identified Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement for the legendary Italian manager.
Ancelotti has endured a difficult start to the campaign, with the LaLiga champions now falling six points behind the Catalans in the title race. Real Madrid roped in long-term target Kylian Mbappe over the summer, but Ancelotti has also failed to get the French superstar firing on all cylinders.
The 26-year-old has registered eight goals from 14 games so far for the Spanish champions but drew a blank against Barcelona on Saturday, October 26. The Catalans' rise under Hansi Flick has only made matters worse. The German manager took charge at Camp Nou at the end of last season and has transformed the team so far.
Barcelona have won 12 of their 14 games across competitions this season, including 10 of 11 in the league. Saturday's victory at Santiago Bernabeu perhaps highlighted the shift in power this season.
Real Madrid now believe that the time is ripe to part ways with Ancelotti. They are ready to rope in Alonso - who won a historic Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen last season - in the summer of 2025.
The Spaniard spent five seasons with the LaLiga giants as a player. He recently signed a new deal with the German giants. However, there's reportedly a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave at the end of this season.
Real Madrid will need a major turnaround before facing Barcelona in second El Clasico this season
Last season, Real Madrid won both games against Barcelona in the league. Los Blancos also got the better of the Catalans in the Supercopa de Espana final.
Carlo Ancelotti's team enjoyed a terrific 2023-24 campaign, winning the league, the Champions League as well as the Spanish Supercup. They lost just two games in the entire campaign, both against Atletico Madrid.
However, the tables may have turned since the arrival of Hansi Flick this summer. The German manager has got Barcelona firing on all cylinders this season, with the Catalans leading the title race after 11 games.
Real Madrid have to regroup quickly, or else the title race could be long over by the time they visit Camp Nou for the return fixture in May next year. On current form, few would bet against Flick's team winning that tie as well.