Carlo Ancelotti labelled Xabi Alonso “among the best on this planet” amid reviews the departing Bayer Leverkusen coach will substitute him as Actual Madrid supervisor subsequent season.
Forward of a crunch El Clasico on Sunday – a showdown with Barcelona that would in the end form the La Liga title race – Ancelotti was extremely complimentary of the fledgling Spanish coach whereas expressing a deep affection for Los Blancos.
However the 65-year-old, who has come below fireplace this time period after defeat within the Copa del Rey closing and elimination from the Champions League on the quarter-final stage, remained tight-lipped over his future.
‘Don Carlo’, probably the most profitable coach within the historical past of Europe’s elite membership competitors, has spent six years on the Bernabeu throughout two spells however current reviews have claimed the Italian will depart to take up the place of Brazil head coach forward of subsequent summer time’s World Cup finals.
Alonso, a Champions League winner with Actual as a participant who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in his first season as coach, confirmed this week he can be leaving the German facet, prompting hypothesis the 43-year-old may very well be headed to the Spanish capital subsequent season.
Nach knapp 2½ Jahren und der erfolgreichsten Zeit in unserer Vereinsgeschichte wird unser Cheftrainer @XabiAlonso #Bayer04 zum Saisonende verlassen. pic.twitter.com/ErPeNP1bE7
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) May 9, 2025
“I’ve learn that he [Alonso] is leaving Bayer Leverkusen,” mentioned Ancelotti.
“He has achieved an unbelievable job and he has the doorways open to him as a result of he has proven he is among the greatest on this planet.”
Regardless of the excessive reward, the Madrid boss stopped in need of confirming his personal plans, opting as an alternative to speak about his affinity to the membership.
He mentioned: “With this membership, the honeymoon by no means ends. Actual Madrid, like [AC] Milan earlier than them, are golf equipment that stay in my coronary heart for the time I’ve been right here and for the relationships.
“When the strain goes down, the love rises. The honeymoon with Madrid will final till the final day of my life.”
Ancelotti confirmed ahead Rodrygo has returned to coaching and is in competition to begin in opposition to Barcelona.
🦵 @RodrygoGoes
🦵 @FedeeValverde pic.twitter.com/v8JX27xST3— Actual Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 9, 2025
Actual at present path their Catalan rivals by 4 factors within the desk with 4 matches remaining.
They’ve misplaced all three conferences between the 2 sides this season, delivery 12 targets and scoring simply 4 within the course of.
Defeat for Ancelotti’s males would virtually actually hand the title to Hansi Flick’s facet, however the Madrid supervisor insisted his gamers have been filled with confidence.
“The staff is doing effectively, targeted on what now we have to do and excited,” Ancelotti added.
“We now have so much at stake. We’re assured that we are able to obtain it. Matches in opposition to Barcelona are powerful, however we’re assured we are able to win.”
