Real Madrid’s next manager announced as Pep Guardiola makes shock Man City exit decision

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 3 May 2025 11:08 BST
• 4 min read

News

Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement at Real Madrid has been confirmed as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola announces what his next steps will be when he departs the Etihad Stadium.

Real Madrid’s next head coach announced

Real Madrid will see Carlo Ancelotti leave his post as head coach at the end of the season following a difficult campaign in which Los Blancos may wind up without winning a trophy.

The Italian has had to battle an injury crisis in his defence throughout the season, yet there is nevertheless a sense that his era at the Bernabeu is coming to an end.

Relevo reports that Xabi Alonso will be Ancelotti’s replacement at Madrid, with the legendary midfielder having planned for more than a year to take up the post.

Bayer Leverkusen, though, have not been told by the Spaniard that he is planning on departing, but they are nevertheless working under the assumption that he will be heading to the Bernabeu imminently.

There will be “no obstacles” put up by the Bundesliga side to prevent Alonso leaving for Real Madrid, where he was a player from 2009-14. There is already a gentleman’s agreement in place to facilitate a deal.

Guardiola announces Man City exit plan

Also in the world of football management, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has announced what he intends to do when he leaves the Etihad Stadium.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss signed a new deal with the club earlier this season that keeps him contracted with City until 2027.

“After my contract with City, I'm going to stop. I'm sure,” he told ESPN. “I don't know if I'm going to retire, but I'm going to take a break.”

Guardiola did hint, however, that he could still extend with the Premier League giants.

“I didn't say I'm leaving now or at the end of season or the end of contract,” he told Sky Sports.

“I said when I finish my time here, be it one, two, three, four, five years, I will take a break.

“I won't retire but I will take a break. What I am saying is when I am finished here I will take a break.”

Guardiola previously had a year out of the game between leaving Barcelona and joining Bayern Munich, citing burnout at that time.

Football transfer news headlines today

Man Utd star compared to Lamine Yamal wants to sign a contract for life

Chelsea close to signing long-term Arsenal target as talks CONFIRMED

Arsenal 'PUSHING' for Gyokeres as Man Utd make U-turn on Sporting hitman

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store