Real Madrid, if they were not already in it, were launched into planning mode by defeat in El Clasico on Sunday, ending their slim hopes of retaining La Liga this season. Carlo Ancelotti has already

Real Madrid want Xabi Alonso in place as their new manager in time for the start of next month's Club World Cup.Sources say the plan is for Alonso, 43, to travel to Madrid on 1 June to prepare the team for their first game of the inaugural Fifa tournament on 18 June against Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami.

Real Madrid are finalising a deal for Xabi Alonso to become their new coach as soon as possible, multiple sources have told ESPN, with the club keen to have him in place for this summer's Club World Cup.