Simon Rolfes, the director of Bayer Leverkusen, has downplayed reports that Xabi Alonso, the team’s head coach, may join Real Madrid.
The 41-year-old is seen as one of the front-runners to succeed Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is largely anticipated to accept the position as head coach of the Brazil national team in the summer of 2024.
Since his return to Real Madrid in 2021 for a second stint in charge, Ancelotti, 64, has won the La Liga championship and the Champions League. His current contract is set to expire at the conclusion of this season.
Alonso, on the other hand, has been in charge of Leverkusen for almost a year. During that time, he has guided the Bundesliga team out of the relegation zone, helped it finish in the top six last season, and guided it to the semifinals of the Europa League.
Alonso was linked with Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the summer, and rumours over a possible exit from Leverkusen continue to circulate, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool all believed to be monitoring his progress in Germany.
The Spaniard spent 13 years of his playing career across spells with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern, including five years with Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014.
Ancelotti, who coached Alonso at both Real Madrid and Bayern, recently admitted that he would like to see the former midfielder manage Los Blancos in the future.
However, a switch to Spain in 2024 could prove challenging as Leverkusen chief Rolfes has insisted that Alonso is committed to working for the Bundesliga club.
Speaking to reporters, via Mundo Deportivo, Rolfes said: “We got his commitment a few weeks ago, when he extended his contract. Xabi doesn’t have to say anything. He has extended his contract. He’s fully focused here
