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If the Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, could not already feel the shadow of Xabi Alonso in his office, this week the Basque coach and his Bayer Leverkusen team are at the Valdebebas training ground as they prepare to face Atlético de Madrid. However, much of the Madrid press was interested in his prospects of replacing the Italian.
Leverkusen will be looking for a second victory under Alonso at the Metropolitano in three years, after their victory in the Spanish capital helped eliminate Los Colchoneros in the group stage for the first time. Alonso had questions about whether he would continue at Leverkusen next season.
“I can’t say anything, we are halfway through the season and all the clubs have big objectives. Atlético has them, Madrid too and I’m thinking about getting them. The game is very important for both of us and I am focused on that.”
However, Alonso waxed lyrical about his time at Real Madrid, calling it “unforgettable.”
“Time passes over the years but the love endures and that relationship is unforgettable. We are grateful, the bond is very strong, it was a very nice time as a player. They were intense years, it was difficult for us to get what we wanted but when we got it it will last.”
Understandably, Alonso was asked if he had prepared himself for the onslaught of questions about his future.
“I haven’t prepared myself, it doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t surprise me. I only think about Atlético, that’s what I have prepared for and I have a lot to do,” he told Marca.
Alonso still has a house in Madrid and returned in December to do some renovation work, something that obviously kept the rumors going. Regarding the match against Atlético, Alonso pointed out that the atmosphere at the Metropolitano was something to take into account and that their stars are intelligent with the use of the ball.
“Returning to Madrid is always a great experience. I remember two years ago, which was exciting. Coming back always has a special touch. Atlético demands a lot from you and that is enough motivation.”
The Basque coach has been pointed out as a future coach of Real Madrid almost since he left his under-19 team, before passing through Real Sociedad B and Leverkusen. Now that both Ancelotti and Alonso are out of contract in 2026, many see it as a question of when Alonso will not return to the Santiago Bernabéu. It is not yet clear whether Ancelotti will have the opportunity to fulfill his contract if Los Blancos secure the League, or if president Florentino Pérez wants to accelerate the operation anyway.
