Washington: As Real Madrid inches closer to a managerial shift with Carlo Ancelotti expected to step down at the end of the season, all eyes are now on Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso. A name synonymous with calmness, control, and class during his playing days, Alonso is now building a similar reputation on the touchline.
Having taken charge of Leverkusen during a transitional phase, Alonso has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Under his leadership, the German side has transformed into serious title contenders, even going undefeated in the 2023–24 Bundesliga season up until recently. With five matches left in the league and Leverkusen trailing Bayern Munich by six points, the race is still wide open.
Amidst this tight schedule, speculation linking Alonso to his former club, Real Madrid, has intensified. The Spanish giants, reportedly unimpressed with Ancelotti following their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal exit and a fading La Liga campaign, are said to be eyeing Alonso as their top candidate to lead the next era at the Bernabéu.
“Now’s Not the Time”
However, Alonso remains grounded. When asked about the Real Madrid rumors during a recent pre-match press conference, he avoided fueling the speculation.
“Talking about the future is not a smart idea right now,” he said. “This is a critical time in the season. I don’t want to discuss rumors and conjecture. I understand that this is happening, but what’s more important to me is what’s happening right now.”
This wasn’t just a media-savvy response—it was a reflection of Alonso’s deep-rooted commitment to his current squad. With dreams of Bundesliga glory still alive and a DFB Pokal heartbreak fresh in memory following a stunning defeat to third-division Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals, Alonso’s focus is clear: finish strong.
Tough Road Ahead
Leverkusen has shown signs of inconsistency in recent weeks. A goalless draw against Union Berlin saw them drop crucial points, and their elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich further dented their momentum.
Still, Alonso remains optimistic: “Five games remain to be played. The desire is still the same. We’ve had a full week to regroup and talk with the players. We know our last game wasn’t our best, and we’re eager to show what we’re really capable of on Sunday.”
When asked about whether Bayern’s lead is insurmountable, Alonso gave a composed but determined answer: “Even if we’re realistic and it’s not easy, we want to do everything because in football, anything can happen. They also have five games to play. We are focused on what we can control.”
A Madrid Return on the Horizon?
The idea of Xabi Alonso returning to Real Madrid—this time as a manager—carries emotional weight for both the club and its supporters. A Champions League winner with Madrid in 2014 and a fan-favorite during his five-year stay, Alonso knows the club’s philosophy inside out.
More importantly, his managerial credentials are rapidly growing. His tactical awareness, team-first mindset, and calm authority have earned him respect across Europe. Madrid, known for nurturing big names and demanding instant success, might see in Alonso a rare blend of legacy and vision.
Whether or not he makes the move this summer, Alonso’s stock is rising fast. If not now, it may only be a matter of time before he returns to the Spanish capital—not as a player, but as the man to lead the next generation.
