Xabi Alonso opens up on rumor of joining Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti

Vishal Bhawani

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Xabi Alonso opens up on rumor of joining Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti image

The Real Madrid dugout might be waiting for a new face, but Xabi Alonso isn’t rushing to take a seat — yet.

With talk heating up about him possibly replacing Carlo Ancelotti this summer, the Bayer Leverkusen boss has finally broken his silence. And as expected, he's keeping his cards close to his chest.

Alonso has become one of the hottest names in football management after guiding Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double last season.

From battling relegation when he took over in 2022 to building one of the most organized sides in Europe, Alonso has impressed everyone — including his former club.

Naturally, Madrid came calling — or at least the rumor mill says so. But ahead of a crucial stretch in the season, Alonso isn’t ready to entertain the buzz.

“It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We’re at a very important moment in the season,” he told reporters.

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Alonso is currently focused on one thing amid Real Madrid chatter

With Madrid’s hopes of a Champions League crown dashed by Arsenal, pressure is mounting on Ancelotti.

The Italian’s future looks shaky, and Alonso — who spent five trophy-laden years at the Bernabeu — is widely seen as the heir-in-waiting.

But for now, Alonso insists his mind is on Leverkusen. The German side may be nine points off top spot with five games to go (including a game in hand), but the season is far from over.

And with matches still to play, he’s not biting at the rumors.

“I don’t want to talk about speculation and rumors. I understand that this is happening, but what’s more important to me is what’s happening right now,” Alonso added.

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has echoed those thoughts, saying Alonso feels “comfortable” at the club and is already planning for next season.

Still, with Madrid fans dreaming of a midfield maestro-turned-manager taking the reins, don’t be surprised if this story keeps rolling into the summer.

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Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.