A departure of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach of Real Madrid is becoming increasingly likely, and Xabi Alonso is considered the top candidate to succeed him. Bayer Leverkusen will not stand in the way of a move for their successful coach.
Embed from Getty Images
The future of Xabi Alonso continues to generate headlines across Europe, as the highly regarded Bayer Leverkusen manager emerges as the frontrunner to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
With Ancelotti’s departure from the Bernabéu becoming increasingly probable especially as reports continue to link him with the Brazilian national team attention has shifted toward Alonso, whose meteoric rise as a coach has turned heads throughout the footballing world.
The 43-year-old Spanish tactician took over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, inheriting a team that was languishing near the bottom of the Bundesliga table. Within a remarkably short period, he transformed the squad into a disciplined, aggressive, and technically sharp side capable of competing at the highest level. His tactical intelligence, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of the game shaped by years of playing under legendary managers quickly earned him praise in Germany and beyond.
Alonso’s biggest triumph came in the 2023-24 season, when he led Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title, completing the campaign without a single defeat. It was not only Leverkusen’s first league championship but also one of the most dominant title runs in German football history. Under his leadership, the club broke Bayern Munich’s decade-long hold on the league and established itself as a new powerhouse in German football.
This season, with four matchdays remaining, Leverkusen are still in second place, albeit trailing Bayern Munich by a margin that likely rules out another title. Despite this, the campaign has been seen as a continued success, particularly as Leverkusen remain competitive in multiple competitions and have maintained a style of play that is both effective and entertaining.
Despite Alonso’s growing stature and potential suitors, Bayer Leverkusen have publicly maintained a respectful and understanding stance toward their coach’s ambitions. Fernando Carro, the club’s CEO, made headlines recently when he told The Athletic that the door to Real Madrid is open not by contractual obligation, but by mutual understanding.
“He doesn’t have a clause in his contract,” Carro said. “But if a team that Xabi has played for comes calling, then we will talk and we won’t stand in his way. That’s the kind of relationship we have built on trust and respect.”
This "gentlemen's agreement" reinforces the notion that Alonso’s future is in his own hands, particularly if Real Madrid a club where he won multiple trophies as a player comes knocking. It also highlights Leverkusen's recognition of Alonso's achievements and their willingness to prioritize his long-term career path, even if that means losing their head coach.
Xabi Alonso’s ties to Real Madrid are deep. He joined the Spanish giants in 2009 from Liverpool and spent five seasons at the club, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League in 2014. His time at the Bernabéu, under managers such as José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, significantly shaped his footballing philosophy. Known for his composure on the ball, tactical vision, and leadership on the pitch, Alonso was a fan favorite and remains a respected figure in Madrid.
Beyond Real Madrid, Alonso’s playing career saw him represent clubs such as Real Sociedad (his boyhood team), Eibar (on loan), Liverpool (where he won the Champions League in 2005), and Bayern Munich. He retired in 2017 after a glittering playing career and swiftly transitioned into coaching. He began by working with Real Madrid’s youth teams, gaining valuable experience and insights before taking over the B team at Real Sociedad. In 2022, Leverkusen offered him the opportunity to manage at the top level, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Should Real Madrid decide to pursue Alonso this summer, it would represent a symbolic passing of the torch. From being a key midfield figure during one of Madrid’s golden eras, Alonso now stands on the verge of potentially returning as the club’s head coach and perhaps ushering in a new chapter of success.
For now, Alonso remains focused on his duties at Leverkusen. But with admiration growing and the pathway cleared by his current club, a return to the Bernabéu might just be a matter of time.
