Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has refused to be drawn into reports linking him with joining Real Madrid at the end of the season, Afrosport reports.
It has been wisely speculated that the former Spain international will replace Carlo Ancelotti under whom he played.
This came on the back of Leverkusen winning a historic first Bundesliga title last season and going unbeaten while winning the DFB Pokal and reaching the Europa League final.
The pharmaceutical-backed outfit have maintained that solid form this season which has only fuelled speculation of Alonso’s pending arrival at the Bernabeu in the summer.
The former Liverpool midfielder is however focused on Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
“Yes, you guessed it right, I can’t say absolutely anything because we are in the middle of the season and all the clubs have great expectations – Atletico Madrid have them, Real Madrid have them, we have them as well,” he said.
“And I am thinking and working with the goal of achieving them. We play every three days in every competition. We ‘ll be here [at the Metropolitano], it’s a very important match in the Champions League. Our goal is to be in the top eight, and it’s the same for Atletico. It’s very important for both and I am mostly focused on this.”
Xabi Alonso however addressed the strong relationship he maintains with Real Madrid where he won five titles including the Champions League in 2014.
“The years go by, but the affection stays the same. This relationship is unforgettable, and it will endure,” he added.
“Obviously, I appreciate it because of the connection. It was a very nice stage of my career. They were very intense years. We struggled to win what we wanted, but when we managed to do it, the celebrations were huge. And this is going to last.”
Xabi Alonso went on state he is not annoyed by the speculation linking him with Real Madrid.
“No, I wasn’t prepared, I am not annoyed, and I am not surprised. I am very relaxed, I am thinking about Atletico Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League,” he explained.
“This is what worries me, what I am preparing for. And it’s enough.”
✨ The stage is set 🍿#UCL #AtletiB04 pic.twitter.com/jBDdgeuynM
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 20, 2025
Leverkusen are currently fourth in the Champions League standings and will be able to cement an automatic spot in the round of 16 with victories against Atletico Madrid and Sparta Prague.
