Xabi Alonso’s Calm Amidst Real Madrid Speculation: A Deep Dive into the Coaching Carousel

Xabi Alonso’s Calm Amidst Real Madrid Speculation: A Deep Dive into the Coaching Carousel

In the ever-dynamic world of football, where rumors and speculations are as common as the game itself, Xabi Alonso finds himself at the center of attention. The former Real Madrid player, now a successful coach, has been linked with a potential return to the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite the swirling rumors, Alonso remains unfazed, stating he is “very calm” about the situation.

Alonso’s connection to Real Madrid is undeniable. He spent five fruitful years as a player at the club, where he won the Champions League, the LaLiga title, and two Copas del Rey. His coaching career also began at Madrid’s academy, making him a familiar face in the Spanish capital. Currently, Alonso is in Madrid for a different reason: to lead Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid.

The speculation about Alonso’s potential return to Real Madrid has been fueled by reports from the Spanish radio station Onda Cero, which suggested that Carlo Ancelotti, the current manager, might leave the club this summer despite having a contract until 2026. However, sources close to Ancelotti have denied these claims, maintaining that the Italian is not considering an early departure. Nevertheless, ESPN has reported that Alonso is the favorite to take over when the time comes.

In a recent interview with Movistar, Alonso addressed the rumors, saying, “I’m very calm, I’m focused on what I have to do. I have enough things to worry about. Right now that’s what’s in my head. This is the time now to work with Leverkusen, with the team, with all the challenges we have, and I’m very happy.”

Alonso’s coaching journey has been impressive. After retiring as a player, he spent a season coaching Madrid’s under-14s before moving on to manage Real Sociedad‘s reserve team. His current role at Bayer Leverkusen has been marked by success, including an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season. This track record has not gone unnoticed by Real Madrid, who are reportedly tracking his progress closely.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. Since returning to the club in 2021, Ancelotti has won two Champions Leagues and two league titles. The team is currently at the top of LaLiga and has secured two trophies this season. However, they have also faced criticism from fans and the media, especially after a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final earlier this month.

As for Alonso’s current team, Bayer Leverkusen, they are performing well under his leadership. They are second in the Bundesliga, trailing Bayern Munich by four points, and are fourth in the Champions League table ahead of their game against Atlético Madrid. When asked about his future aspirations, particularly the possibility of coaching Real Madrid, Alonso remained focused on the present. “Thinking in the long term in football just means worrying about things,” he said. “I have to focus on the short term, which is Atleti, then we go to Leipzig [in the Bundesliga], I have enough.”

• Key Points:
• Xabi Alonso is linked with a potential coaching role at Real Madrid.
• Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club is uncertain, despite having a contract until 2026.
• Alonso is currently focused on his role at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has achieved significant success.
• Real Madrid is reportedly tracking Alonso’s progress as a potential successor to Ancelotti.

In the world of football, where change is the only constant, the speculation surrounding Alonso and Real Madrid is a testament to his growing reputation as a coach. Whether or not he returns to the Bernabéu remains to be seen, but for now, Alonso is content with his current challenges and responsibilities.