Real Madrid have reportedly reached a decision on Xabi Alonso’s future, with club insiders telling that the Basque coach is set to be replaced. What remains undecided is who will take his place — and two familiar names have emerged as the leading contenders.

The recent 3–0 win away at San Mamés briefly suggested Madrid had steadied themselves. But that impression was quickly shattered by Sunday’s 2–0 home defeat to Celta Vigo — a result that exposed deeper issues and intensified pressure on Alonso.

According to those same sources, the team’s unconvincing performances have left the coach increasingly isolated, with his influence on the pitch now “barely visible.” The view among Madrid’s hierarchy is that Alonso’s cycle has run its course.

Two factors are said to have delayed an immediate dismissal: the crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday (December 10, 21:00 CET) and the ongoing search for a successor. Even so, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly made his position clear — once the right candidate is confirmed, Alonso will be dismissed.

Zidane tops the list, Arbeloa the alternative

Pérez’s aim, is to recover the harmony and continuity the squad enjoyed under Carlo Ancelotti. His ideal choice is Zinedine Zidane, who delivered historic success in multiple stints at the club.

The complication? Zidane has already reached an agreement to take over the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. Despite this, Pérez has been eager for nearly a month to convince him to return for this turbulent period.

If Zidane cannot be prised back to the Bernabéu, the backup option is another former Madrid defender: Álvaro Arbeloa. He is currently impressing in his first season as Castilla coach, earning admiration from within the club.