Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has ruled out speculation that he could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid in the summer.
Ancelotti is under a lot of pressure in Madrid after a poor start to the season, and club officials say they are ready to accelerate their plans to sign Alonso this summer, rather than waiting for Ancelotti’s contract to expire in 2026.
However, earlier this week it was announced that Ancelotti has already announced his plan to retire as Madrid manager at the end of the season, freeing the Spanish side to continue with Alonso.
Ahead of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Alonso was, unsurprisingly, asked what he thought of the speculation.
“Already questions Real Madrid?” he laughed. “Time passes, but love remains.
“Our relationship is very strong, that’s clear, but now I’m completely focused on Bayer Leverkusen, that’s on my mind. I’m calm. I have enough things to worry about, it’s not on my mind at the moment.”
Like Ancelotti, Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen is due to expire in 2026, but he is expected to leave this summer in search of a new challenge. It is known that Madrid want to sign Alonso eventually, and it is even thought that they will wants to bring midfielder Florian Wirtz with him.
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