Bayer Leverkusen Manager Xabi Alonso Salutes Carlo Ancelotti Amid Real Madrid Links

• Numerous managers remain linked to the managerial role at Real Madrid
• Xabi Alonso is amongst the many who have been tipped to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the La Liga club
• The Bayer Leverkusen manager has saluted the Real Madrid boss in a recent interview

The pursuit of a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti is underway, with a host of managers reportedly shortlisted in case the Real Madrid boss's contract is not extended by the end of the season.

Among the contenders to succeed the Italian manager is Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso. The 42-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder has garnered attention due to his impressive managerial record.

Since taking over at the Bundesliga club in October 2022, Alonso boasts a 63% win ratio and an average of at least two points per game, according to reports from Fotmob.

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Alonso's remarkable performance at the BayArena has thrust him into the spotlight. Currently leading the Bundesliga, he is heavily tipped to take over from Ancelotti when the latter's tenure at the La Liga club concludes.

Despite Alonso's contract with Bayer Leverkusen running until 2026, the club faces a challenge in retaining their head coach in the coming months. Amid the flurry of talks and rumours linking Alonso to Real Madrid, the Leverkusen boss hinted at his admiration for Ancelotti in a recent interview.

Alonso hails Carlo Ancelotti

In an interview with Spanish outlet Diario AS, Alonso expressed his admiration for Ancelotti, stating,

"In terms of human management, Ancelotti is the master. When you talk about how to convince players or how to foster a good relationship with them, Ancelotti is the master of it all."

Notably, Alonso played a pivotal role in Ancelotti's midfield during their successful tenure at Real Madrid, winning the 2013/14 Champions League and later securing the 2016/17 Bundesliga at Bayern Munich.

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As Real Madrid’s season progresses, the La Liga giant are expected to make a decision on Ancelotti's future. Meanwhile, there are reports suggesting Brazil remains confident in luring Ancelotti to Rio de Janeiro in 2024.

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Raul opens up on succeeding Ancelotti

Sports Brief previously reported on Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez not being optimistic about succeeding Ancelotti as manager at the Spanish club despite being among the top contenders.

Jose Mourinho, Xabi Alonso, and Zinedine Zidane are among the others currently being considered as possible successors to the veteran Italian boss, whose deal expires at the end of the season.