Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso's potential rise to the helm of Real Madrid looms

By SABC Sport
27th November 2023

Bayer Leverkusen's mastermind, Xabi Alonso, finds himself at the centre of swirling speculations linking him to the managerial reins at Real Madrid.

Sources indicate a probable takeover next summers.

Current Real Madrid head honcho, Carlo Ancelotti, is poised to bid adieu to the Spanish giants as his contract draws to a close, setting his sights on the role of Brazil's national coach. Fuelling the buzz, Ancelotti has openly hinted that Alonso, a revered former Real Madrid player, harbours aspirations to lead the Galacticos one day.

Despite the fervour surrounding Alonso's potential Madrid homecoming, Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen's managing director for sport, remains steadfast in his belief that the coach will extend his tenure with the Bundesliga club.

"He is here one hundred percent and is also involved in all issues that affect the further development of the club and are perhaps a little more long-term," Rolfes affirmed to BILD TV. "That's why I am convinced that he will be with us for a longer period of time."

Rolfes emphasized Alonso's deepening connection with the club, expressing, "He has developed a great bond with the club. Everybody feels it, I feel it, but also the fans and the players. I think he is very happy with us. That is always the foundation of a coach's decision."

Alonso took the reins at Leverkusen in October 2022, and his impact has been nothing short of remarkable. A mere 12 games into the current season, Alonso's Leverkusen outfit stand proudly atop the Bundesliga table. Currently, they enjoy a two-point lead over perennial powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Alonso's coaching prowess has not only propelled Leverkusen to new heights but has also reignited discussions about his potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu. The prospect of Alonso leading Real Madrid, the club where he etched his name in football history as a player, adds an electrifying layer to this unfolding narrative.

As the football world watches Alonso's trajectory, the question of whether he will trade Leverkusen's success for the iconic white of Real Madrid remains unanswered. With Ancelotti's exit seemingly imminent, the allure of Alonso's homecoming intensifies, leaving fans and pundits alike to ponder the next chapter in this captivating football saga.