Over the last 12-18 months, there has been a lot of speculation in regards to the Real Madrid manager’s position at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti has worked wonders during his second spell in charge, but that has not stopped regular speculation on his possible departure – and also that of his expected replacement being Xabi Alonso.
It has been taken for granted that Alonso will be the next manager of Real Madrid, with the only question being when he makes his return to the Spanish capital. He is happy at Bayer Leverkusen, although there is a desire to take the reins at the club that he spent five years as a player.
Real Madrid also want him, and the speculation is that they want him to replace Ancelotti from the summer. Leverkusen are prepared to not stand in Alonso’s way, although the Spaniard himself could complicate matters.
According to Sport, Alonso has made a non-negotiable demand to Real Madrid, and it is that they sack Ancelotti in order to bring him in. His desire is to only take over at the Bernabeu once the head coach’s position is empty – meaning that he only wants the job if his predecessor steps aside.
Alonso does not want to be the reason that Ancelotti is forced to leave Real Madrid ahead of schedule. As such, this could throw a spanner in the works as the Italian is open to seeing out the remainder of his contract, which does not end until 2026 – and Alonso’s deal in Leverkusen also expires at the same time.
It’s also reported that Alonso will also not wait until the final days of the season to clarify his future, so that Leverkusen know whether or not they need to replace him. He took a similar step last season when he rejected approaches from Liverpool and Bayer Munich to remain at the Bundesliga champions.
