Real Madrid 'want Xabi Alonso as next manager'

By Ben Sully | 03 December 2023

Real Madrid reportedly want to appoint their former player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.

The Italian has enjoyed significant success since he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu for a second spell as manager in the summer of 2021.

In the last two seasons, Ancelotti has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Despite guiding Los Blancos to multiple honours, Ancelotti's long-term future with the club is shrouded in uncertainty.

With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, he continues to be linked with the Brazil manager's job.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on November 26, 2023 © Reuters

A recent report also claimed that the experienced manager has received a contract offer from an unnamed Premier League side.

With Ancelotti's departure a real possibility, The Mirror are reporting that Alonso is being lined up as the Italian's replacement.

The report claims that Liverpool and Manchester City were looking at Alonso as a potential long-term successor to Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

However, their hopes of appointing Alonso in the future have been dented by Real Madrid's intention to bring their former player back to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reacts on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

Alonso, who is under contract until June 2026, has reportedly assured his current employers that he has no intention of leaving the club midway through the season.

The Spaniard has gained a reputation as one of Europe's best young managers after turning around Leverkusen's fortunes following his arrival in November 2021.

Alonso took the German club from the Bundesliga relegation zone to a sixth-placed finish, while he also led them to the Europa League semi-finals.

They have continued to go from strength to strength in the 2023-24 campaign, having avoided defeat in 15 competitive matches this term.

Ahead of Sunday's crucial meeting with Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen sit two points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table.