Real Madrid coach Ancelotti wishes luck to his successor Alonso

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has wished “all the luck in the world” to the man set to replace him, Xabi Alonso.

The Italian coach will take charge of his final game on Saturday, Real confirmed on Friday.Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso is set to take over before June’s Club World Cup, although the Madrid-based club have not yet named him officially as their next coach.

Ancelotti spoke before the visit of Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga, his last game before taking the reins of the Brazil national team.

“I don’t want to give advice because everyone has their own idea about football,” Ancelotti told a news conference.

“Xabi is the first (to come after me), I wish him all the luck in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to coach this club, this team – enjoy it.”

Ancelotti has coached Madrid for six seasons, split across two spells at the club, winning 15 trophies.

The coach lifted the Champions League three times with Madrid, as well as two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey twice.

The 65-year-old said he expected his final match at the helm to be an emotional day.“I have it in my genetics that I get emotional very quickly, because my grandfather did that, and my father too, so it will be a very emotional day tomorrow,” continued Ancelotti.

“I have no problem if I end up crying, no problem at all, I will not hide it in that sense. It will be a beautiful day.”

Saturday will also be midfielder Luka Modric’s last game at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Croatian to play in the Club World Cup in the United States before leaving Madrid.

“I’m sharing it with Luka,” said Ancelotti.

“He has been a spectacular help in this era at Real Madrid, he is fantastic, a legend, and saying goodbye along with him seems nice to me.”

The coach also posted an open letter on social media to say goodbye, saying his bond with Real Madrid was “eternal”.

“I carry in my heart every moment experienced in this wonderful second spell as Real Madrid coach,” wrote Ancelotti.

“They’ve been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, trophies and, above all, the pride of representing this badge…

“My bond with Real Madrid is eternal.”