At the start of the 2021/22 season, Real Madrid raised some eyebrows with their decision to bring back head coach Carlo Ancelotti to replace the departing Zinedine Zidane. Many thought the Italian was heading towards the end of his legendary coaching career and was past his prime. At that point, he was managing Everton in the Premier League.
However, since returning to Real Madrid, Ancelotti has proved all the critics wrong and has shown the club made the right decision bringing him back. Since his return, Ancelotti has guided the team to ten total trophies, including two La Liga titles and two improbable Champions League victories.
All that being said, Ancelotti isn't getting any younger, and with his contract expiring next summer, it's time for the club to start looking at their options to replace the Italian legend. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso is the clear number one candidate in the eyes of many at the club, however, a new name has been added to the list of potential candidates to be Ancelotti's long-term successor.
Real Madrid add Premier League manager to list of Carlo Ancelotti successors
As being reported by Football Espana, former Rayo Vallecano coach, and current coach Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola is being considered by Real Madrid as a potential option to replace Carlo Ancelotti should the Italian decide to retire this summer.
Iraola has quickly become one of the most underrated managers in Europe over the last few years. The Spaniard worked wonders at Vallecano and his now making his mark on English football at AFC Bournemouth who currently sit in an impressive 5th place in the Premier League.
While Xabi Alonso is still Real Madrid preferred choice to replace Ancelotti, Andoni Iraola is a solid number two option for Los Blancos. However, the club would have to move quickly for Iraola should they miss out on Alonso as a number of Premier League sides, including Tottenham Hotspur also have their eyes on the Spanish tactician.