Into his fifth year managing Real Madrid across two stints, Carlo Ancelotti is nearing the end of his managerial tenure.
Not only is the Italian manager under scrutiny due to Real Madrid’s performances from last season and the start of this season, but he is also heavily linked to the Brazilian national team job.
Ancelotti was also rumoured to be joining Brazil in the summer, but refused to leave his seat at the Santiago Bernabeu. He will, therefore, likely join the Selecao next summer, which could be his final job as a football coach.
Madrid, therefore, are scouting for a replacement already, with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reportedly their preferred choice.
Their pursuit might have hit a roadblock, though, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
Alonso at Leverkusen until 2026
Into his fifth year managing Real Madrid across two stints, Carlo Ancelotti is nearing the end of his managerial tenure.
Not only is the Italian manager under scrutiny due to Real Madrid’s performances from last season and the start of this season, but he is also heavily linked to the Brazilian national team job.
Ancelotti was also rumoured to be joining Brazil in the summer, but refused to leave his seat at the Santiago Bernabeu. He will, therefore, likely join the Selecao next summer, which could be his final job as a football coach.
Madrid, therefore, are scouting for a replacement already, with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reportedly their preferred choice.
Their pursuit might have hit a roadblock, though, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
Alonso at Leverkusen until 2026)
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director, Simon Rolfes has gone on record to dust all rumours of Madrid signing Alonso this early into his Leverkusen stint, saying, “There is an agreement in which he extended his contract not many weeks ago. And he didn’t do it simply because he had to, but because he knows he has a great project here.”
“He has a very good team, a very good coaching staff, and full support in our club. That’s what motivates him and us. And I think that can also be seen in the players. That’s why he extended his contract,” Rolfes added.
Alonso himself had also commented on the rumors.
“Coach Madrid? It’s September, it’s early days. I’m staying focused. We have started the season well, we want all the players to be focused. That’s why I have to be the first,” he said.
Into his fifth year managing Real Madrid across two stints, Carlo Ancelotti is nearing the end of his managerial tenure.
Not only is the Italian manager under scrutiny due to Real Madrid’s performances from last season and the start of this season, but he is also heavily linked to the Brazilian national team job.
Ancelotti was also rumoured to be joining Brazil in the summer, but refused to leave his seat at the Santiago Bernabeu. He will, therefore, likely join the Selecao next summer, which could be his final job as a football coach.
Madrid, therefore, are scouting for a replacement already, with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reportedly their preferred choice.
Their pursuit might have hit a roadblock, though, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
Alonso at Leverkusen until 2026
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director, Simon Rolfes has gone on record to dust all rumours of Madrid signing Alonso this early into his Leverkusen stint, saying, “There is an agreement in which he extended his contract not many weeks ago. And he didn’t do it simply because he had to, but because he knows he has a great project here.”
“He has a very good team, a very good coaching staff, and full support in our club. That’s what motivates him and us. And I think that can also be seen in the players. That’s why he extended his contract,” Rolfes added.
Alonso himself had also commented on the rumors.
“Coach Madrid? It’s September, it’s early days. I’m staying focused. We have started the season well, we want all the players to be focused. That’s why I have to be the first,” he said.
Leverkusen’s bejeweled team
Leverkusen are currently sitting top of the Bundesliga, with 16 points from six games, and are yet to be beaten. They have also managed to outscore everyone except Bayern Munich with 20 goals, and have conceded just six goals so far.
Star players like Victor Boniface, Jeremie Frimpong, and of course, Florian Wirtz have Europe on strings, with all top clubs across the continent keeping a keen eye on their situation, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Rolfes, therefore, added, “There will be rumors, it’s okay, that happens. But if all the rumors were true…half of the starting eleven would not be on the field today.”
Barcelona manager Xavi has said that the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema are among the toughest players he has ever come up against.
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the former midfielder spoke extensively on Real Madrid and how Barcelona’s 3-1 win over the Los Blancos in the Supercopa Espana final remains his most memorable win.
The 43-year-old is set to complete 100 matches as Barcelona manager and during his brief managerial stint, he has come up against several top managers, including Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti to name a few.
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