Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has distanced himself from speculation that he could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid in the summer.
Ancelotti is under a lot of pressure in Madrid after an underwhelming start to the season, with club officials said to be prepared to accelerate their plans to sign Alonso this summer, rather than wait until Ancelotti's contract expires in 2026.
However, earlier this week it was reported that Ancelotti has already communicated his plan to resign as Madrid coach at the end of the season, freeing up the Spanish side to pursue Alonso.
Ahead of Leverkusen's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Alonso was surprisingly asked about his thoughts on the speculation.
“Already the questions Real MadridHe laughed. “Time passes but love remains.
“Our bond is very strong, that's clear, but my overall focus is on Bayer Leverkusen now, that's on my mind. I'm calm. I have enough things to worry about, it's not on my mind right now. “
Like Ancelotti, Alonso's contract at Leverkusen expires in 2026, but he is widely expected to leave this summer in search of a new challenge. Madrid are known to want to sign Alonso eventually and are even thought to be looking to bring in midfielder Florian Wirtz.