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Carlo Ancelotti is under increasing pressure at Real Madrid and could step down as manager before the end of the season.
The 65-year-old is enduring a rare and tough spell at the helm. The Whites have lost back-to-back games, including one embarrassing 4-0 thrashing against Barcelona’s rivals.
And down to 18th in the Champions League standings, Madrid’s usually impeccable European form is also suffering.
Florentino Perez has Xabi Alonso at the top of Carlo Ancelotti’s list of substitutes
As a result, Ancelotti’s position is under threat and while Florentino Pérez’s preference is for the Italian to leave on his own due to their strong friendship, the Madrid president is edging closer to pulling the plug.
According to a recent report by Football TBRPerez already has a “succession plan in mind” with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso top of his list.
The 42-year-old has enjoyed a very impressive two years. Leverkusen not only won the DFB-Pokal and the Bundesliga last season, they did it undefeated.
Emerging as Europe’s most sought-after manager, Alonso will understandably be pursued by some big clubs, including Manchester City, who have him as part of their contingency plan. if Pep Guardiola does not sign a new contract.
During his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso, whose contract runs until the end of next season, has averaged impressively. 2.18 points per game.
