According to Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso has already proven himself to be one of the top managers in the game.
Carlo Ancelotti wouldn’t mind seeing Xabi Alonso as his successor at Real Madrid. The Italian believes the Spaniard has already established himself as one of the best coaches in the world.
It’s been a tough season under Ancelotti’s leadership. Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals and suffered three defeats against Barcelona—two of which came in finals. The club, the most successful in European football history, now faces the risk of ending the season without a single trophy.
This poor run of results has intensified speculation over Ancelotti’s future at Real. While there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, many believe it’s almost certain the Italian will leave at the end of the season.
Several names have been mentioned as potential replacements for Ancelotti, but 43-year-old Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate.
Adding fuel to the rumors, Alonso announced on Friday that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen after the final two matches of their Bundesliga campaign. That announcement has only strengthened talk of a managerial change at the Bernabéu.
On the eve of the season’s fourth El Clásico clash against Barcelona, Ancelotti was asked about Alonso’s decision to leave Leverkusen during a press conference. The Italian coach responded with professionalism and praise:
“I heard that he (Xabi Alonso) is leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He’s done an incredible job, and the door is open for him. Because he has proven that he is one of the best in the world.”
Ancelotti, now in his second stint at Real Madrid, also expressed his deep affection for the club—no matter what the future holds.
“The honeymoon with this club never ends. Real Madrid, just like (AC) Milan before, will always be in my heart—for the time I’ve spent here and the relationships I’ve built. When the pressure goes down, the love grows stronger. My honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life.”
