👊 Ready to face @Alaves!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 13, 2025
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Legendary full-back Roberto Carlos is not in the race to become Real Madrid manager if Xabi Alonso is sacked, media reports from the Spanish capital said. While the World Cup winner with Brazil has the qualifications to take up the role, Real are not convinced that their former star has what it takes to become a top-level gaffer, they said.
The 52-year-old Carlos is an ambassador of the Los Blancos, and the club wants him to continue the good job, Spanish news media claimed. He hasn't coached a team for several years despite holding a coaching licence, and having managed teams in Russia, Turkey, and India. These cons are too big to ignore when compared to the pros of having the former star as the team manager—which are his familiarity with the squad and the respect he enjoys among them, his good rapport with the press, and his close connection with the Brazilian stars.
The reports asserted yet again that all is not over for Xabi Alonso yet, as he can save the job if Real Madrid's performance improves in the upcoming matches. Although some board members have already expressed their dissatisfaction over the team's progress under Xabi Alonso and want him gone, President Florentino Perez and some others believe he deserves more time, Defensa Central said in a report. However, a draw or a defeat against Alavés in the La Liga could seal his fate, as his privileges will not protect him in case of another slip-up. But Carlos, a part of the 'Galácticos' in the beginning of the century, is unlikely to be Xabi's successor, the portal added.
It was earlier reported that Álvaro Arbeloa is likely to take over from his former international teammate if things go south for Real against Alavés. A former teammate Madridista himself, Arbeloa is currently in charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the youth side. The club higher-ups have "impressed the board" with his strong performances with the youth side and skillset, the report said.
