The world of football has been abuzz with speculation about the future of Real Madrid’s managerial position, and one name that keeps coming up is Xabi Alonso. The former Real Madrid midfielder, who is currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, found himself at the center of the rumor mill ahead of his team’s Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid.
Ancelotti’s Uncertain Future Fuels Speculation
The speculation about Alonso’s potential move to Real Madrid has been fueled by uncertainty surrounding the future of current manager Carlo Ancelotti. Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, Spanish radio station Onda Cero reported that the Italian tactician had decided to leave at the end of the season.
While sources close to Ancelotti have denied these claims, the rumor mill continues to churn. ESPN has reported that Alonso is the favorite to take over the reins at the Bernabéu when the time comes for a change.
Alonso Remains Focused on Leverkusen
Amidst the swirling rumors, Xabi Alonso has maintained a calm and focused demeanor. When asked about the links to Real Madrid, the Leverkusen boss emphasized his commitment to his current role.
“I’m very calm, I’m focused on what I have to do,” Alonso told Movistar. “I have enough things to worry about. Right now that’s what’s in my head.”
Alonso’s focus remains squarely on Leverkusen and the challenges they face, including their upcoming Champions League match against Atlético Madrid. The Spaniard expressed his happiness in his current position and the work he is doing with his team.
A Storied History with Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s links to Real Madrid run deep. The midfield maestro joined the club from Liverpool in 2009 and went on to enjoy a trophy-laden five-year stint at the Bernabéu. During his time with Los Blancos, Alonso won:
- 1 Champions League title
- 1 LaLiga title
- 2 Copa del Rey trophies
After retiring as a player, Alonso returned to Real Madrid to begin his coaching career, taking charge of the club’s under-14 team for a season. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent managerial roles at Real Sociedad B and now Bayer Leverkusen.
Impressing in Germany
Since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has been making waves in the Bundesliga. In the 2023-24 season, he led his team to an unbeaten league title, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players.
Leverkusen currently sit second in the Bundesliga table, just four points behind leaders Bayern Munich. They also find themselves in fourth place in their Champions League group as they prepare to face Atlético Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Mixed Fortunes
While Real Madrid sit atop the LaLiga table and have already claimed two trophies this season, the team has not been immune to criticism. A heavy 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final earlier this month raised questions about the team’s performances and Ancelotti’s future.
Despite the success, there have been rumblings of discontent among fans and media. This has only served to fuel the speculation about potential changes in the managerial hot seat.
Alonso’s Philosophical Approach
When pressed about his long-term ambitions and the possibility of managing Real Madrid in the future, Xabi Alonso offered a philosophical response.
“Thinking in the long term in football just means worrying about things,” Alonso explained. “I have to focus on the short term, which is Atleti, then we go to Leipzig [in the Bundesliga], I have enough.”
Alonso’s measured approach and focus on the present have served him well thus far in his managerial career. As he continues to impress with Bayer Leverkusen, the speculation about a potential return to Real Madrid is unlikely to dissipate.
The Road Ahead
For now, Xabi Alonso remains fully committed to his role at Bayer Leverkusen. With crucial matches against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on the horizon, the Spaniard has plenty to keep him occupied.
As for Real Madrid, the future remains uncertain. While Carlo Ancelotti continues to steer the ship, the speculation about his potential departure and the search for a successor is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
One thing is for certain: Xabi Alonso’s star continues to rise in the world of football management. Whether his path ultimately leads him back to the Bernabéu remains to be seen, but for now, he remains focused on the task at hand, leading Bayer Leverkusen to success on multiple fronts.
