Ancelotti may become Brazil manager as Madrid eye Xabi Alonso as successor 

Is a secret still a secret if a goalkeeper tells everyone? Manchester City shot-stopper, Ederson, let a huge, Italian cat of the bag when he announced at a press conference that, after “discussing with Militão, Vinicius, and Casemiro, there is a big possibility that [Carlo Ancelotti] comes [to manage Brazil].”

The Italian’s first stint at Real Madrid was between 2013 and 2015, where he won La Décima, Madrid’s much-coveted 10th European title. Since the start of his second spell, which started in June 2021, he has won a LaLiga title and Madrid’s 14th Champions League.

But despite the glory, such is the role at Madrid that the future of the manager has been put under the spotlight once again due to a slight dip in form over the past few weeks.

 ‘We will know shortly’ says Ederson. Carlo Ancelotti is, according to Ederson, “an exceptional coach, everyone in his group likes him, with a victorious career.” The manager has been linked with the Brazil job on previous occasions, all of which have come to nothing. This time, however, it appears as though the rumours are a lot firmer than they had previously been presented.

“Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not,” Ederson said. “I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there’s too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We are also living that phase of anxiety.”

He continued, saying that Manchester City’s aim was to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League, but not before adding a new twist to the tale: ”We will try to eliminate Real Madrid so that Ancelotti can come to Brazil as quick as possible!”

Under-20 team coach Ramon Menezes will be in charge at Saturday’s friendly against Morocco; the post of national team boss has been vacant since Tite’s departure after World Cup elimination to Croatia ended a spell that lasted over 6 years.

If Ancelotti does go, several names have been rumoured with taking over. One of those linked is Xabi Alonso, who was previously at Real Madrid during his playing days, and he started his coaching career at the club also.

Alonso could be set for a return, with Sport reporting that Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has identified him as his first choice to replace Ancelotti.

Alonso is currently at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has excelled since taking the reins in October, and he could now take the next step in his managerial career by taking charge of Real Madrid.