Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid midfielder turned coach, finds himself amidst swirling rumors regarding his potential appointment as the manager of European giants Real Madrid. While some media outlets posit that current manager Carlo Ancelotti may step down earlier than his contract’s expiry in 2026, Alonso remains unfazed by such speculation. As he prepares his Bayer Leverkusen squad for an important Champions League showdown against Atlético Madrid, he emphasizes his current responsibilities over potential future roles. Responding to the media about his rumored aspirations for the Madrid job, Alonso stated, “I’m very calm, I’m focused on what I have to do,” showcasing a commitment to his present duties rather than engaging in the media frenzy.
After a commendable playing career that included stints with Liverpool and another at Bayern Munich following a successful term at Madrid, Alonso transitioned into coaching. His journey through the ranks began at Real Madrid’s academy before he took a broader role as the head coach of Real Sociedad’s reserve team. His tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has seen a remarkable start, crowned by an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, solidifying his reputation as a rising coaching talent. The former midfielder’s approach to coaching has often been seen as methodical and insightful, leveraging the knowledge he amassed during his playing days. Notably, Alonso’s calm demeanor reflects his strategic thinking, an asset that serves him well in both tactical decisions and player management.
While Real Madrid’s continued success under Ancelotti—two Champions Leagues and two league titles—cannot be undermined, the team’s recent performances have attracted scrutiny. This season saw them face fan backlash, especially following a heavy defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa. Therefore, the conversation surrounding Ancelotti’s future becomes increasingly complex as his successful tenure meets the challenging demands and expectations of the club’s supporters. Meanwhile, Alonso’s Leverkusen sits comfortably in the upper echelons of the Bundesliga, trailing only Bayern, and exhibiting a consistent performance level in Europe’s elite competition. This juxtaposition puts Alonso’s capabilities under the spotlight while also drawing media and fan attention.
During his appearance on Movistar, Alonso elucidated an essential principle for aspiring coaches: “Thinking in the long term in football just means worrying about things.” This perspective demonstrates a level of maturity in his understanding of the football landscape, hinting at his sophisticated approach to goal setting and performance. It stresses the importance of focusing on immediate tasks, especially in competitive environments, rather than indulging in hypotheticals. For Alonso, the focus remains on nurturing his current team, leading to success in the Bundesliga and Europe, rather than diverting energy towards speculation about a future role with Madrid.
While Xabi Alonso’s name is linked with the future of Real Madrid management, his posture of maintaining focus on Leverkusen speaks volumes about his professional integrity and desire to excel in his current role. The narrative unfolds in fascinating layers as fans and pundits both watch and wait for what may come next in this ever-evolving football saga.