Carlo Ancelotti has praised Xabi Alonso, describing him as “one of the best in the world,” amidst speculations that the Spaniard will take over his role as the manager of Real Madrid.
On Friday, Alonso, currently the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, announced his intention to depart from the German side after this season concludes.
It is expected that once Ancelotti’s exit is officially confirmed, Alonso will be introduced as the new manager of Real Madrid.
Prior to Madrid’s El Clasico match against their rivals Barcelona on Sunday, Ancelotti remarked that Alonso “has accomplished phenomenal work and has a pathway opened for him, as he has demonstrated he ranks among the best globally.”
However, the 65-year-old, who is linked to the Brazil coaching position, sidestepped inquiries concerning his own coaching future.
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“In this club, the honeymoon phase never truly ends,” Ancelotti stated. “My love affair with Madrid will endure until my last breath.”
Ancelotti has secured 15 titles during his two terms as the manager of Real Madrid, and last season, he guided Los Blancos to a dual victory in the Champions League and La Liga.
Yet this season, Madrid trails Barcelona by four points with just four matches left, putting them at risk of finishing without a trophy for the first time in four years.
Last year, Alonso guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga championship, maintaining an unbeaten record, as well as winning the German Cup during his inaugural full season in a senior coaching role.
The 43-year-old Spaniard was part of the Real squad that won the Champions League in 2014 as a player.
