“That’s in my mind,” Xabi Alonso responds to Real Madrid links as Carlo Ancelotti continues on ‘hot seat’
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso responded to Real Madrid links, amid uncertainty regarding Carlo Ancelotti's future at the Spanish club.
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Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso responded to rumors linking him to real Madrid, to replace Carlo Ancelotti. (via GOAL)
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso highlighted his strong relationship with Real Madrid and responded to rumors linking him with a move to the club. The former player-turned manager is being poised to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season.
Spanish media outlets most recently reported that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has informed the club about his decision to depart at the end of the ongoing season. The 65-year-old has been in charge of the European giants for six seasons across two successful spells. Despite having more than a year left on his contract, Ancelotti has found himself under pressure owing to the club’s recent run of form.
Amid uncertainty over Ancelotti’s future, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso has emerged as an option to replace the five-time UCL winner. Alonso, who spent five years as a player at Los Blancos, began his coaching career at the club’s academy. At Leverkusen, he went on to guide the club to their historic first-ever Bundesliga title. The German side also remained undefeated throughout their league campaign.
🚨 Xabi Alonso: “Already questions on Real Madrid?! [laughs] Time goes by but the affection remains”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
“Our bond is very strong, that is clear but my total focus is on Bayer Leverkusen now, that’s in my mind”. pic.twitter.com/QsLOTW18PA
Upon being bombarded with questions surrounding his future, Xabi Alonso refused to discuss it during the middle of the season. He noted his happiness with his current employers, as well as reiterated his focus on improving Leverkusen’s performances. However, the 43-year-old highlighted his lasting affection for Real Madrid. Alonso also revealed that he is not surprised at the rumors linking him to the club.
Time goes by but the affection remains. Our bond is very strong, that is clear, but my total focus is on Bayer Leverkusen now, that’s in my mind. I’m calm. I have enough things to worry about.
Xabi Alonso on Real Madrid links (H/T EuroSport)
Moreover, the Spaniard manager intended to rather focus on Leverkusen’s upcoming UCL encounter against Atletico Madrid. The defending Bundesliga champions are comfortably placed 4th on the UCL table, and would need a point to secure a knock-out place.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone responds to Carlo Ancelotti’s taunt amid controversy
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone responded to the Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s taunt, over his comments regarding refereeing decisions favoring the club. The Argentine manager had responded to the Real Madrid’s controversial 5-2 win over Celta Vigo.
Simone has earlier stated that decisions favoring Real Madrid have happened for 100 years in La Liga. Ancelotti responded to his counterpart’s comments by mockingly claiming that his comments were for the gallery of Atletico fans. Simeone, referencing Ancelotti’s response, went on to remind the Italian of his past ‘complaints’ aimed at Real Madrid, during his time as Bayern Munich manager.
If we go back in memory to the Bayern Munich match, the ‘mister’s’ comments reflected what had happened on the pitch. It’s clear those weren’t for the gallery.
Diego Simeone on Carlo Ancelotti’s comments (H/T Bein Sports)
Not just that, Diego Simeone also aimed a dig at Dani Ceballos. The midfielder claimed that the Atletico boss is still not over the two UCL final defeats to Real Madrid. Simone also reminded Ceballos of his old comments as a Real Betis player.
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Siddhartha Roy
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