Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Xabi Alonso as ‘one of the best coaches in the world’ and insists the former midfielder has all the credentials to take over at Real Madrid, amid growing speculation that he will be succeeded by the Bayer Leverkusen boss.
Ancelotti is expected to step down at the end of the season after a decorated second spell in charge of Los Blancos. Sunday’s trip to Barcelona is the first of his final four matches, with his departure likely to be confirmed once the campaign concludes.
Alonso, who played for both Real Madrid and Liverpool during a glittering career that included Champions League triumphs with each club, announced on Friday that he will leave Leverkusen this summer.
The 43-year-old is widely tipped to return to the Spanish capital in a managerial capacity, with some reports even suggesting he has already verbally agreed a contract running until 2028.
When asked about Alonso on Saturday, Ancelotti told reporters: ‘I’ve seen the news that he’s leaving Leverkusen, where he’s done a fantastic job. All the doors are open to him because he’s shown he’s one of the best coaches in the world.’
Alonso has seen his reputation soar since taking charge of Leverkusen in 2022. In his first full season he guided the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and also lifted the German Cup, securing a historic domestic double. While Leverkusen have not hit those same heights this season, Alonso’s managerial stock remains sky-high.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave his job as manager of Real Madrid at the end of the season
He could be replaced by Xabi Alonso, who recently confirmed he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen
Alonso played in 236 games for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning five trophies
‘We’ve agreed that these last two games will be my final ones as Bayer Leverkusen coach,’ Alonso said on Friday. ‘It’s not the moment to talk much about what comes next. This is a time for a proper farewell to the fans and to those who have supported me during an unbelievable three years.’
Ancelotti will be a tough act to follow. Across two spells in charge of Real Madrid, the 65-year-old has won 15 trophies, including two Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.
His second stint has yielded 159 wins from 230 matches, a win percentage of 69.13 per cent. When combined with his first spell from 2013 to 2015, his overall Real Madrid record stands at 348 games, 248 wins, 48 draws and 52 defeats, giving him a win rate of 71.26 per cent.
Meanwhile, Alonso has overseen 138 matches at Bayer Leverkusen since taking charge in October 2022, winning 88, drawing 32 and losing just 18. His win percentage stands at 63.77 per cent, with a goal difference of +160.
