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Xabi Alonso is expected to take over at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has hailed Xabi Alonso as a “standout” manager as he prepares to take over at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard has already confirmed that he will be leaving current side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the summer.

His decision comes at the same time that Real Madrid are commencing their search for a new manager, with Carlo Ancelotti set to depart for a second time.



Speaking last season, he said: "Xabi is doing an incredible job.

"If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone 'Oh my God!' Always what I said, the dinosaurs if you want, Ancelotti (Carlo), Mourinho (Jose), Guardiola (Pep), maybe me, we will not do it okay, maybe Mourinho - but all the rest will not do it for the next 20 years.

"The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is a standout in that department...

The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional."

READ MORE:Carlo Ancelotti breaks silence on taking Brazil job and suggests he's ALREADY unhappyREAD MORE:Cesc Fabregas WON'T replace Xabi Alonso as Premier League clubs eye ex-Arsenal star

Ironically, Klopp might have actually talked himself out of contention for the Real Madrid job, with the Spanish side eventually moving for Alonso.

But I still love football, I still love working and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that."

Carlo Ancelotti is due to leave Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

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Regarding Alonso, he will oversee his final match as Bayer Leverkusen boss this weekend as the German side take on Mainz away from home having already secured the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga.

That looks to be the position that Ancelotti will finish in during his final season in Madrid.
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