Leverkusen boss remains focused on title race amid speculation over potential return to Madrid as Ancelotti’s successor

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has brushed off mounting speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job, insisting that now is “not a good time” to discuss his future.

The 43-year-old Spaniard has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu, should the Italian depart at the end of the season. However, Alonso, whose stock has soared after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic double last season, remains focused on the task at hand.

“We’re at a very important moment in the season,” Alonso told reporters. “It’s not a good time to discuss the future. I don’t want to talk about speculation and rumours. I understand that this is happening, but what’s more important to me is what’s happening right now.”

Leverkusen currently trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by six points with five games remaining. Club CEO Fernando Carro said last week that Alonso is “comfortable” in his role and already making plans for next season.

Alonso’s name is not the only one circulating in the rumour mill. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who stepped down from his post at Anfield last season after more than eight years, has also been linked with the Real job. However, his agent, Marc Kosicke, dismissed the reports, telling Sky Germany that Klopp is “very happy” in his new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull.

Alonso, a former Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich midfielder, enjoyed a decorated playing career, including a Champions League and La Liga title during his six-year spell with Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014. He retired in 2017 following a three-year stint at Bayern Munich and quickly transitioned into coaching.

His managerial journey began with Real Madrid’s Under-14 side before moving on to lead Real Sociedad’s B team. In October 2022, he was appointed head coach at Bayer Leverkusen, taking over a struggling side sitting second from bottom in the Bundesliga. He led them to a sixth-place finish in his debut season, and last year steered the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title, a German Cup triumph, and a Europa League final appearance—where they suffered their only loss in 53 matches, falling 3-0 to Atalanta.

While Alonso’s future continues to attract interest from Europe’s elite clubs, the man himself remains firmly grounded in the present.