Director breaks silence on Xabi Alonso joining Real Madrid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Oct 2024 15:47 BST
• 3 min read

Bayer Leverkusen are 'relaxed' about Real Madrid's reported interest in Xabi Alonso, according to director Simon Rolfes.

The Spanish tactician remains one of Europe's most sought-after coaching commodities after leading Bayer 04 to their first-ever domestic double last term.

Though this season has already proved more difficult - with Leverkusen's absurd domestic unbeaten run being ended by RB Leipzig - the Bundesliga champions remain one of the continent's in-form sides.

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In recent weeks, fresh speculation surrounding Alonso has appeared again, with German and Spanish media insisting that Real Madrid are plotting a move for 2025 despite the fact that Carlo Ancelotti remains under contract until 2026.

Rolfes relaxed about Alonso situation

Now, Leverkusen's director of football Simon Rolfes, the mastermind behind the club's successful recent transfer windows, has spoken about Alonso's future, insisting that he is calm about the coaching situation at the club.

"I’m quite relaxed because his contract extends beyond the upcoming summer," he told Sky Germany. "In football, the here and now is always what matters. You shouldn’t focus on yesterday or tomorrow but on what’s happening now. Speculation is part of the game, but reality is what counts."

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German media has reported that Rolfes has had a long list of potential successors at the ready since the spring when Liverpool and Bayern Munich enquired about Alonso only for the Spaniard to stay committed to the Werkself.

It remains to be seen whether Leverkusen can fend off high-profile interest for a second season running. Alonso's contract with the German champions runs until 2027, just like that of star attacker Florian Wirtz.

There have been suggestions that Alonso could take the German wonderkid with him to his next club, with Wirtz fully expected to leave Bayer next summer - a sign that his coach will also be on the move?