Xabi Alonso Declines to Comment on Future Amid Real Madrid Speculation
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen's head coach and rumored candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, refrained from addressing these speculations. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, especially as the team strives to defend their Bundesliga title amidst recent challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
- Alonso prioritizes current team performance over future speculations.
- Leverkusen's recent struggles follow an unbeaten domestic season.
- The team faces a six-point gap to Bayern Munich.
- Alonso remains optimistic about his team's potential.
Leverkusen, April 18 (NationPress) Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso, reportedly the top pick to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, chose not to engage in discussions regarding this speculation on Friday. He emphasized that it is not the appropriate moment to ponder the future, particularly with his team's aspirations of defending the Bundesliga title hanging by a thread.
Following Real Madrid's exit from the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and their diminishing chances of clinching the La Liga title, Spanish media sources suggest that the Italian coach will part ways with the club post-season. Alonso, a former midfield player for Real Madrid, is favored to take over the position.
"It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very critical juncture in the season. I prefer not to dwell on speculation and rumors. [I understand] that this is circulating, but what matters most to me is the present situation," Alonso stated during the pre-match press briefing.
After completing the entire 2023-24 domestic season unbeaten and securing their inaugural league title, Leverkusen has struggled with performance and faced elimination by Bayern Munich in the UCL Round of 16.
Additionally, they faced a surprising defeat against Arminia Bielefeld, a team from Germany’s third division, in the DFB Pokal semifinals, and missed the opportunity to close the gap on Bayern with a 0-0 draw against Union Berlin last weekend.
"There are still five matches remaining. The determination is unchanged. After last Saturday's scoreless draw with Union Berlin, we had a full week to train and converse with all the players.
"Our performance against Union was not our finest; we recognize that. Hence, we intend to demonstrate on Sunday that we can perform better. I understand it’s easy to say, but we aim to, and must, exhibit that on the pitch,” he added.
With a six-point deficit to Bayern Munich and just five league fixtures left, Alonso was questioned about the gap to the league leaders and if the club still harbors hopes of overcoming it.
"It’s not simple, and we are realistic, but anything can transpire in football. As long as there's hope, we will strive for everything. They also have five matches to play, but we are concentrating on ourselves and on aspects we can enhance and influence. I believe the team will give its all until the end,” Alonso responded.
