Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has firmly dismissed speculation linking him with a potential return to Real Madrid as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, following the Spanish giants’ Champions League exit to Arsenal.
Despite being frequently tipped as a future Los Blancos boss, Alonso told reporters he’s fully focused on the present:
“It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We’re at a very important moment in the season. 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.”
The former Real Madrid midfielder has been a standout managerial figure this season, guiding Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten run and deep European contention. His calm dismissal of rumours comes as pressure mounts on Ancelotti, whose position could be in doubt if Madrid fails to win La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
Both Ancelotti and Alonso are contracted until 2026, but with Madrid’s ambitions always sky-high, the managerial carousel could spin sooner than expected.
For now, Alonso’s focus remains on the Bundesliga, with Leverkusen set to face St. Pauli this Sunday.
