Revealed: Real Madrid choose manager they'll appoint on interim basis - but only for ONE MONTH - as Brazil-bound Carlo Ancelotti steps aside & Xabi Alonso waits to take over

According to consistent media reports over the past few days and weeks, Xabi Alonso will succeed Carlo Ancelotti as the Real Madrid head coach – but only after the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in June and will be held in the United States this summer. Now, it has been claimed that Santiago Solari, currently serving as Real Madrid's director of football, will take on the interim job, albeit only for a month. Solari previously managed Madrid for 32 games in the 2018-19 season, coming on as a caretaker following Julen Lopetegui's sacking and then taking on a full-time role for a brief period.

Alonso himself has his own plan for how he wants to start. On the one hand, he wants to take some time off after the Bundesliga season, which ends for him and Bayer Leverkusen on May 17 against Mainz, to decide which contract he wants to sign with Real. On the other hand, he would prefer a structured start without having to lead a team that is completely unknown to him through a tournament right away, especially considering that many players are likely to be unavailable due to injury after an exhausting season.

Los Blancos are experiencing a season that could end without a single major title, which is why current coach Ancelotti has had to endure a lot of criticism. His departure has become increasingly apparent in recent weeks. According to The Athletic, he has already spoken to his coaching staff and informed them that he will not be fulfilling his contract, which expires in 2026. Having been linked with the Brazil job since late 2023, it has now been all but confirmed that the legendary Italian manager will join the Selecao in June and will be at the helm for the World Cup next year.

Ancelotti still has five games in charge before he leaves Madrid as the greatest manager in the club's history, at least in terms of silverware. Madrid are currently four points behind rivals Barcelona and will take on Celta Vigo in their next fixture, to be played on Sunday, May 4.