Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his recognition towards Xabi Alonso, who will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. The Real Madrid coach has praised Alonso’s “fantastic work”, who is expected to replace him on the Real Madrid bench.
Alonso confirmed on Friday his departure from Leverkusen, after almost three years at the helm of the team. Sources indicate that the Spanish coach is “close” to becoming Ancelotti’s successor at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti, for his part, is in a situation where his departure is expected after the last LaLiga match against Real Sociedad, on the weekend of May 25. However, the team still has chances to win the league, starting with this Sunday’s Clásico against Barcelona.
I saw Alonso’s announcement. I have read that he is leaving Leverkusen, where he has done a fantastic job. He has all the doors open, because he has proven to be one of the best coaches in the world.
Carlo Ancelotti
Xabi Alonso, former Madrid midfielder, has long been considered the favorite to take over from Ancelotti. He has impressed at Leverkusen, transforming the club into Bundesliga champions and achieving an undefeated domestic double in 2024.
Ancelotti, who has won more trophies than any other Madrid coach, including three Champions League titles, has faced criticism for the team’s performance this season, especially after the elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The honeymoon with this club never ends. The honeymoon will continue forever. Real Madrid is like AC Milan, teams that stay in your heart more than others. If you ask about the honeymoon as a coach, I don’t know, but the honeymoon continues. Like any relationship, there is a lot of passion at the beginning, and then there are many other things, when the passion is gone, there are other things like affection. I think my honeymoon with Real Madrid will continue all my life.
Carlo Ancelotti
Sunday’s Clásico at Montjuïc, with Barcelona four points ahead in the table, will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season.
Barcelona won the first league match 4-0 at the Bernabéu and the final of the Spanish Super Cup 5-2. Last month’s Copa del Rey final was more contested, ending 3-2 in favor of Barcelona after extra time.
In these matches, you have to do everything right. You have to defend well. They are a team that tends to push you towards your own half, and when you have the ball, you have to take advantage of their weaknesses, because no team is perfect.
Carlo Ancelotti
A Madrid victory would reduce the gap to a single point, with three matches remaining for each team.
There’s a lot at stake. If Barcelona wins tomorrow, they have more chances. If we win, the league opens up and anything can happen.
Carlo Ancelotti
