Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso on Friday refused to close down hypothesis he might be set for a transfer to Real Madrid in the summertime. Madrid’s heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal may deliver an finish to Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint on the membership, with Alonso believed to be the popular substitute. Alonso spent 5 seasons at Madrid throughout his enjoying profession, profitable the Champions League and La Liga. After taking on as Leverkusen boss in October 2022, his first top-flight job, Alonso led the membership to an unbeaten league and cup double final season, the primary time that they had ever gained the Bundesliga.
Speaking forward of the journey to St Pauli on Sunday, Alonso declined to rule out a summer time transfer to the Spanish giants.
“It’s not an excellent time to debate the longer term. We’re at an important second within the season,” Alonso mentioned.
Leverkusen are six factors behind league leaders Bayern Munich with 5 video games remaining.
The 43-year-old mentioned he “didn’t need to discuss hypothesis and rumours,” saying he understands “that that is taking place, however what’s extra vital to me is what’s taking place proper now.”
Last Saturday, membership CEO Fernando Carro informed reporters he believed Alonso could be within the Leverkusen dugout subsequent season.
“He feels comfy right here. We’re additionally planning subsequent season with him: preseason, matches, squad,” Carro mentioned.
Alonso was the topic of comparable hypothesis in March final 12 months amid hyperlinks to Madrid alongside along with his different former golf equipment Liverpool and Bayern, however known as a press convention to close down solutions along with his facet on track for a maiden title.
This 12 months, Leverkusen are nonetheless placing collectively one of many higher seasons within the membership’s historical past, however look set to complete the marketing campaign empty handed.
With the Bundesliga title slipping away, Leverkusen had been eradicated within the final 16 of the Champions League by Bayern, and had been knocked out of the German Cup within the semi-finals by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld.
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