Real Madrid wants to become Spanish, a former Barça player announced to succeed Ancelotti!

A major shift is imminent at the Santiago Bernabéu. With Carlo Ancelotti’s second term at Real Madrid nearing its end, club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly preparing for a bold new plan that emphasizes Spanish identity, youth development, and long-term sustainability.

Regardless of the outcome of the 2024–25 season—whether it ends with a Champions League win or a La Liga title—Ancelotti’s time at Madrid is officially approaching its conclusion. According to multiple reliable sources from Spain, the decision has already been made at the executive level. Real Madrid is ready to move on to a new chapter, one that breaks from the patterns of the past decade.

Veteran journalist Joaquín Maroto shed light on the situation during his appearance on *El Larguero*. “It’s not just about results anymore,” he stated. “The dressing room dynamic has become stale. There are recurring issues with management, lineup decisions, and player development. The signs have been clear.”

He pointed out several recent mistakes that contributed to this decision. Issues like the mismanagement of the penalty-taking situation, the awkward integration of Endrick and Arda Güler, and the improper use of midfielders such as Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have raised concerns. The club, it seems, is in need of a reset.

Florentino Pérez, a man who has always been focused on Real Madrid’s foundation, is revisiting a cherished philosophy: the “Zidanes y Pavones” model. This strategy aims to blend world-class superstars with homegrown talents from La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s esteemed academy.

In recent years, the “Zidanes”—players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and potentially Kylian Mbappé—have excelled at the club. However, the “Pavones” have been noticeably absent. Promising youth talents like Nico Paz, Marvel, Peter González, and Arda Güler have struggled to secure consistent playing time.

This imbalance has not gone unnoticed. With increasing pressure to reintegrate Spanish youth into the first team, the club is exploring managerial candidates who align with this broader vision. Surprisingly, one of the names gaining traction behind the scenes is Cesc Fàbregas.

Once a fierce rival at FC Barcelona, Fàbregas has quietly built an impressive managerial career in Italy with Serie A team Como. After leading the modest club to a historic promotion and stabilization in the top division, his emphasis on tactical intelligence, local talent, and youth development has caught the attention of the decision-makers at Valdebebas.

Spanish media reports that while Fàbregas isn’t the frontrunner, he is under serious consideration. His experience across clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea—along with his coaching philosophy—makes him a distinctive and bold candidate for the role.

Real Madrid has other candidates in mind. Zinedine Zidane remains a beloved figure at the club. His two Champions League triumphs as manager and his deep understanding of Real Madrid’s ethos make him a strong contender. However, doubts persist about his willingness to return, particularly after stepping down twice before.

Xabi Alonso, currently excelling at Bayer Leverkusen, is also under consideration. Yet, his recent performances in the Bundesliga have garnered less attention than last season’s surge. There are concerns about whether Alonso, as calm and methodical as he is, could handle the unique pressures of managing Madrid’s star-studded squad.

This is where Cesc Fàbregas stands out as a dark horse. His appointment wouldn’t just bring a fresh tactical perspective; it would also send a powerful message: Real Madrid is looking inward, prioritizing its Spanish identity, and investing in a homegrown future.

Another key factor is the growing disconnect between Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. In recent years, La Roja has thrived without significant contributions from the Bernabéu, prompting criticism from within the club and among fans who feel Real Madrid has drifted too far from its national roots.

By hiring a manager like Fàbregas—who embraces Spanish youth and footballing traditions—Florentino Pérez could begin to bridge this gap. The objective would be not only to develop stars for Real Madrid but also to contribute once again to the national team’s success.

This strategic shift is about more than just replacing one manager with another. It’s about redefining what Real Madrid represents in the modern era. While global superstars will always be part of the plan, there’s a growing desire for a team that reflects the club’s Spanish heritage and promotes its academy graduates.

Fàbregas could be the symbolic figurehead of this new vision. A man who once symbolized the golden age of Spanish football, now tasked with helping Real Madrid build a future that feels both elite and homegrown.

His managerial approach has been described as progressive, patient, and intentional. He’s unafraid to challenge the status quo, and his success in Serie A suggests he could adapt to the demands of La Liga and the Champions League.

If this appointment comes to pass, it would mark a significant departure from the Galáctico-era playbook. But perhaps this is exactly what Real Madrid needs—a thoughtful revolution rather than a flashy renovation.

As the Ancelotti era nears its end, a new narrative is emerging in the Spanish capital—one rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking in execution. And if Fàbregas is to lead this change, he may end up surprising more than just the fans.

This could mark the beginning of a Real Madrid that is more Spanish than ever before—on the pitch, on the sidelines, and at its core.