In a similar wave of managerial changes in European football, Real Madrid has appointed former midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso, 43, will take charge from June 1 and lead the team at the upcoming Club World Cup.
He joins from Bayer Leverkusen after guiding them to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title and German Cup win.
Madrid had long been linked to Alonso, who had an exit clause in case his former clubs: Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern came calling.
Ancelotti departs to coach Brazil after a disappointing Madrid season marked by 14 losses and no major trophy wins.
Alonso will be officially unveiled today.
