Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal midweek has undoubtedly set off a domino reaction in Spanish media with several reports of departures doing the rounds suddenly.
Players including Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez have suddenly been linked with departures after the poor showing and it is clear that the board will take drastic decision if the team fails embarrasingly in the event.
The most affected, needless to say, is Carlo Ancelotti whose future is more uncertain now than ever before. The defeat to Arsenal, however, has seen reports of his sacking and Xabi Alonso’s appointment exponentially amplify.
Leverkusen CEO speaks
Speaking to Sky Sports earlier today, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro acknowledged the fact that Real Madrid’s poor result midweek only fuelled the rumors of Alonso’s appointment and joked that he wished the situation were otherwise.
“Alonso to Madrid? I’ll be honest, I would have been happier if Real Madrid had decisively defeated Arsenal and the coaching position was assured,” said Carro.
Elaborating on the situation of the manager, he stated that it was normal for rumours to go berserk after a poor result and thus indirectly hinted to Alonso’s situation not being drastically changed by the development.
“It is normal in football that if a club like Real Madrid loses 3-0 in the quarterfinals against Arsenal, the rumours go crazy,” he noted.
“He still has a contract with us, he feels comfortable here. First of all, we assume and we are also planning the next season with him, preparation, games, squad,” he added.
Elimination from the UEFA Champions League in such embarrassing fashion would undoubtedly see Ancelotti sacked and there is little doubt that Alonso is indeed the overwhelming favourite if such a situation unfolds.
At Real Madrid, however, it is clear that it is never over until it is. The dressing room strongly believe in a comeback and have spoken openly about the same throughout the week.
Should they pull off a comeback and even possibly go on to win the Champions League or La Liga, the manager’s future at the club may become clear once more. Needless to say, nothing can be claimed with certainty at this stage in the season.
