Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso declined to comment on growing speculation linking him to the Real Madrid coaching position, stating he knew \"nothing new\" about his future. The 43-year-old Spanish manager addressed the rumors during his Friday press conference ahead of Leverkusen\'s weekend match against Freiburg.
Alonso is widely expected to return to Madrid, where he played from 2009-2014, if current manager Carlo Ancelotti departs this summer. Sources told ESPN that a standoff exists between Ancelotti and Madrid regarding the timing and manner of his potential exit.
\"I respect what happens in other clubs,\" Alonso said. \"It\'s not a situation that I need to talk about. I know that they\'re at a stage in the season in which they\'re still fighting for the championship, and we also have our goals.\"
Real Madrid\'s disappointing season has fueled coaching change speculation, with the club eliminated from Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal and defeated by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. They currently trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga with five matches remaining.
The Brazilian Football Confederation is actively pursuing Ancelotti, whose contract with Madrid runs through next season. Sources told ESPN that Brazil has given Ancelotti a May 26 deadline to make his decision.
\"I\'m staying calm,\" Alonso emphasized. \"I know you\'re expected to have something new at every press conference, but that\'s not my job. It\'s to prepare the team for every game.\"
Alonso has transformed Leverkusen since taking charge in October 2022, leading the club to an unprecedented German league and cup double last season. The team completed a Bundesliga season unbeaten, a first in German football history.
Leverkusen executives Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes remain hopeful Alonso will honor his contract through next season, but German magazine Kicker reports they are identifying potential replacements, including former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Via ESPN