Xabi Alonso could still manage Liverpool one day despite being backed for a move to Real Madrid by one of his Leverkusen bosses.
The Spaniard was immediately installed as one of the favourites to take the reins at Anfield after Jurgen Klopp ’s shock exit announcement. After weeks of speculation, Alonso confirmed that he would instead be staying with Bayer Leverkusen.
He has since gone on to lead the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga crown - and could even add two more pieces of silverware before the end of the season. While his future looks settled, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro claims Alonso is certain to move to Real Madrid, while a switch to Anfield could still be on the agenda.
Speaking to Cadena SER, he said: "I have no doubt that Xabi Alonso will coach Real Madrid at some point. What I am not clear about is when, but that he will end up at Real Madrid I have no doubt, as it is also possible that he trains Liverpool or Bayern.
“There are a lot of clubs interested, that's how it is, which doesn't mean that in the future he can't coach some of the clubs mentioned, especially his former teams as a player. But he feels comfortable here, otherwise he wouldn't continue. We will maintain our ambition to play in the Champions League next year."
Liverpool are still looking for their Klopp replacement - with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim now appearing to be the frontrunner. Elsewhere, Bayern are also set to appoint a new manager this summer after Thomas Tuchel ’s post-season exit was confirmed.
Carlo Ancelotti is currently in charge of Real Madrid and looks set to lead the club to the title this term, while they are also still in the Champions League. His contract at the Bernabeu runs until the summer of 2026.
What will Carlo Ancelotti's next move be? Share your predictions in the comments below
After being confirmed as a champion for the first time in his managerial career, Alonso gave an intriguing comment about his team and his own future. Speaking after the 5-0 win against Werder Bremen at the weekend, he said: “When I feel that the team is behind me, the feeling that they want to believe, it’s much easier.
“That was my great enjoyment, that I had the feeling that the team was really committed, and once you have that it’s much easier. I don’t know what it will mean for the future, but at the moment it feels pretty great.”
Alonso, 42, still has two years left to serve on his Leverkusen contract. He could yet celebrate two more major successes come the end of the season.
Leverkusen take on West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals. They also have a spot in the German Cup final, where they will play second-tier side Kaiserslautern.
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