Van Gaal's Notebook: Xabi Alonso emerges stronger amid Madrid's managerial chaos
Spanish pundits claimed Carlo Ancelotti was safe after the Supercopa loss, only for him to leave the next day - while Xabi Alonso's stock continues to rise.
Spanish football media were left with egg on their faces after confidently declaring Carlo Ancelotti’s position secure following Real Madrid’s Supercopa defeat to Barcelona - only for the Italian to depart the very next day.
The Pundit Circus
In the latest edition of ‘La Libreta de Van Gaal’ (Van Gaal’s Notebook), Miguel Gutiérrez dissects the absolute dog’s dinner Spanish football pundits made of predicting Ancelotti’s future. The popular segment on Radio MARCA’s ‘Despierta San Francisco’ show has become required listening for those who enjoy seeing media hot takes get absolutely rinsed.
Despite Madrid losing the Supercopa final to their bitter rivals Barcelona, an army of journalists across Spanish media outlets insisted that:
- Real Madrid emerged from Saudi Arabia in a stronger position (they didn’t)
- Ancelotti had moved further away from the sack (he hadn’t)
The timing couldn’t have been more ironic, with these declarations coming literally hours before Ancelotti’s departure was announced. Talk about getting it wrong!
Xabi Alonso: The Real Winner
The segment’s title - “Xabi Alonso emerges strengthened” - points to the real beneficiary of this managerial merry-go-round. The former Liverpool and Madrid midfielder has seen his stock rise dramatically while managing Bayer Leverkusen, putting him in pole position for top jobs across Europe.
With Ancelotti’s departure creating a vacancy at the Bernabéu, Alonso’s name has inevitably moved to the top of many shortlists. His tactical acumen and Madrid connections make him an obvious candidate, though competition for his signature will be fierce.
The segment featured clips from a who’s who of Spanish football media - from El Chiringuito’s theatrical debates to more measured analysis on Radio MARCA, Cadena SER, and COPE - showcasing just how widespread the misjudgment of Ancelotti’s position had become.
As one pundit after another confidently predicted stability at Madrid, the irony builds to almost comedic levels knowing what we know now. It’s moments like these that remind us why taking punditry predictions with a pinch of salt is always the smart move. As we say in London, they’ve had a right mare with this one.