Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso remains composed amid growing speculation about potentially taking the helm at Real Madrid, as questions swirl around Carlo Ancelotti's future at the Spanish giants.
Speaking to Movistar ahead of Leverkusen's Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid, Alonso maintained his focus on immediate challenges. "I'm very calm, I'm focused on what I have to do," the Spanish tactician stated. "I have enough things to worry about. Right now that's what's in my head."
The discussion of Alonso's potential return to the Bernabéu intensified after Spanish radio station Onda Cero reported that current Madrid boss Ancelotti had decided to depart this summer, despite having a contract until 2026. However, sources close to Ancelotti have denied any plans for an early exit, though ESPN reports that Alonso remains the favorite to succeed the Italian manager when the position becomes available.
Alonso's connection to Real Madrid runs deep, having spent five successful years at the club as a player after joining from Liverpool in 2009. During his tenure, he secured the Champions League, LaLiga title, and two Copa del Rey victories before moving to Bayern Munich in 2014. His coaching journey began at Madrid's academy, where he guided the under-14s, before advancing to Real Sociedad's reserve team and eventually taking the reins at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved an impressive unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season.
When pressed about his interest in potentially coaching Real Madrid in the future, Alonso remained pragmatic: "Thinking in the long term in football just means worrying about things. I have to focus on the short term, which is Atleti, then we go to Leipzig [in the Bundesliga], I have enough."
The timing of these discussions is particularly interesting as Real Madrid, despite leading LaLiga and claiming two trophies this season under Ancelotti, has faced recent criticism following a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final. Meanwhile, Alonso's Leverkusen sits second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Bayern Munich, while maintaining a strong presence in the Champions League ahead of their crucial match against Atlético.
