Actual Madrid defender Dani Carvajal mentioned “solely time will inform” if Carlo Ancelotti’s doubtless successor, Xabi Alonso, can “revert the scenario” following the group’s disappointing season.
Saturday’s season finale in opposition to Actual Sociedad will probably be Ancelotti’s final recreation in command of Madrid earlier than he takes the reins of Brazil’s nationwide group.
Madrid haven’t made Alonso’s appointment official, however it’s broadly anticipated that the Spanish coach will return to his former membership after asserting his departure from Bayer Leverkusen.
“It seems to be like Xabi goes to be the one coming in although it is not official,” Carvajal informed reporters.
“Solely time will inform if Xabi is the suitable man to show this yr round, as we’ve not gained any of the three main titles. However that is soccer. In the long run, outcomes are what decide the way forward for coaches, gamers.”
Former Actual Madrid midfielder Alonso is about to take cost forward of the beginning of subsequent month’s FIFA Membership World Cup. The 43-year-old has spent nearly three seasons at Leverkusen and guided the group to a historic undefeated league marketing campaign in 2023-24 as a part of a home double.
Carvajal added: “Xabi has simply had two unbelievable seasons with Bayer Leverkusen and I feel he’ll do very effectively.
“He is aware of the membership higher than anybody, he is been a participant, he is defended the badge for a few years, he is aware of what it means to be a Madrid participant, and I feel that is additionally a plus for him as a coach.”
Madrid had been eradicated by Arsenal within the Champions League quarterfinals and misplaced to Barcelona within the Copa del Rey closing. Ancelotti’s facet waved goodbye to their league title hopes with a 5-4 defeat at Barça within the Clasico on Might 11 and can end second behind their arch-rivals.
Ancelotti gained 15 trophies throughout two spells as Madrid supervisor and final season led them to a Champions League and LaLiga double.
“I’ve combined emotions,” Carvajal mentioned. “I am very unhappy about Carlo’s departure. I am unhappy to see him go. I have been with him for a few years, in his first spell and on this second one, we have gained every thing with him. He is like a footballing father to me and, effectively, I say this with nice unhappiness, however ultimately I hope that subsequent Saturday the coach will get the send-off he deserves as probably the most profitable coach within the membership’s historical past.”
Alonso isn’t the one addition that Madrid may have in June, with the membership confirming the signing of Spain defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
“It is an awesome signing, he [Huijsen] is an effective participant,” Carvajal mentioned. “I am positive he’ll assist us lots.”
Madrid are additionally anticipated to signal Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a free agent however Carvajal doesn’t worry having to compete for a spot with the England worldwide.
“Going through competitors from Trent Alexander-Arnold? It isn’t official but, however it appears it can occur,” the Spain worldwide mentioned. “Worry? We do not discuss worry right here, we’ll be teammates. Competitors improves each of us and brings out one of the best in every of us.”
Carvajal, who suffered an ACL rupture in October, has offered an replace on his potential return date.
“I am travelling to the Membership World Cup,” the 33-year-old mentioned. “There I will begin working with the group and assess once I can compete.”
Madrid are additionally taking a look at strengthening their full-back place, with Leverkusen defender Alejandro Grimaldo amongst these reportedly being thought-about.
A former youth product of Barcelona, Grimaldo, 26, simply accomplished his second season underneath Alonso at Leverkusen and can be open to following his coach to the Bernabéu this summer season.
Requested if his dream is to play at Actual Madrid, Grimaldo informed Cadena Cope: “I’ve at all times dreamed of taking part in for a giant membership, that has at all times been my objective. Actual Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético are large golf equipment, and there are numerous large golf equipment in England. It is not that I do not need to be at Leverkusen. However each participant has his objectives. My membership has identified that my dream is to return to Spain because the first day they signed me. My objective is to play in Spain once more.”
Grimaldo, who joined Leverkusen in the summertime of 2023 from Benfica, had solely constructive issues to say about Alonso.
“My relationship with him has at all times been excellent,” he mentioned. “He is aware of I went to Leverkusen due to him. I am very grateful to him for taking care of me these previous two years.”
