Xabi Alonso responds to Real Madrid interest amid Ancelotti successor talk
Cameron Smith
- 29 Sept 2023 13:23 BST
- 3 min read
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has admitted that “it’s far too early” to talk about the possibility of replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid next summer.
Alonso has been identified as Los Blancos’ ideal Ancelotti successor, according to reports in Spain, as they search for their next manager.
Ancelotti is set to become Brazil national team head coach once his Real Madrid contract expires next year, with the Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues confirming the news earlier this summer.
READ MORE: Ancelotti breaks silence on Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid successors
Rodrigues announced that Ancelotti will take over in 2024, with Fernando Diniz appointed as interim coach until his arrival.
As a result, Real Madrid have begun searching for their next manager and believe that Alonso is the perfect man to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spaniard spent five years as a player at Real Madrid and has impressed during his time in the dugout at Leverkusen.
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However, he was remarkably tight-lipped when asked about the possibility of becoming Los Blancos’ next manager during his press conference ahead of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against Mainz on Saturday.
"It's far too early to talk about something like that,” Alonso said. “Bayer 04 is important. That's not an issue - not even in the team. We didn’t talk about it.”
Alonso to leave Bayer Leverkusen?
Alonso, 41, was appointed as Leverkusen manager in late 2022, with the side 17th in the Bundesliga at the time.
They eventually finished the season in sixth place and are currently second in the German top flight, behind Bayern Munich on goal difference.
While Real Madrid are keen on bringing their former player back to the club as manager, they may face competition from Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp appears safe in his job at Anfield after an impressive start to the season, but Alonso has previously spoken about managing the club.
He told TalkSPORT back in 2018: “Yes for sure, I have dreamt of that [managing Liverpool], but first I have to prove myself and prepare.
“If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there.”
“Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”
