Is Xabi Alonso One of the Best Coaches in the World? Ancelotti Weighs In

Madrid, May 10 (NationPress) Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti maintained an air of mystery regarding his future with the club, emphasizing that he won't provide any updates until the conclusion of the La Liga season. In the same breath, he acknowledged his rumored successor, Xabi Alonso.

When questioned about whether his 'honeymoon' period at the club has come to an end, Ancelotti expressed that his profound love for Real Madrid will keep him in the 'honeymoon' phase until his last day.

"The honeymoon never ends with this club. It will last forever. Both Real Madrid and Milan hold a special place in my heart, thanks to the time I've spent here and the wonderful feelings I've experienced. It's akin to relationships; while initial passion may wane, affection and other emotions grow stronger. This honeymoon will last until the end of my life," Ancelotti shared during a press conference.

Ancelotti praised Alonso as one of the best coaches globally. "I've heard that he's departing Bayer Leverkusen. He has done an exceptional job there and has all the doors open to him because he has proven to be among the best in the world," he remarked.

Xabi Alonso officially declared his exit from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, marking the end of a groundbreaking era at the club. The 43-year-old Spaniard is strongly connected to a potential move to Real Madrid.

Under Alonso's leadership, Leverkusen reached remarkable heights, notably achieving their inaugural Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season without a single defeat—a record unmatched in German football history.

Alonso's departure, confirmed before the season's concluding matches, aligns with speculation linking him to the managerial role at Real Madrid, where he previously played. While an official announcement is awaited, reports suggest that he has agreed to take over for Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid is currently searching for a victory against rivals FC Barcelona, having lost 0-4 at the Bernabeu earlier in the league, 2-5 in the Spanish Super Cup Final in Riyadh, and 2-3 in the Copa del Rey Final at La Cartuja.

As Ancelotti approaches what could be his final El Clasico with the team, which they must win to close the four-point gap behind Barcelona in La Liga standings, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of their chances in the league, depending on the outcome of Sunday’s match.

"Winning a league is very challenging, not as demanding as the Champions League, but it requires consistency. The ability to achieve it will be reflected in tomorrow's game. Both teams have a lot at stake. If they win tomorrow, their chances of winning will increase significantly, but if we win, the league remains open, and anything can happen in the final three matches," Ancelotti stated.