Carlo Ancelotti has publicly praised Xabi Alonso, calling him “one of the best coaches in the world,” as speculation mounts that the former Real Madrid midfielder is set to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s decisive El Clásico clash with Barcelona, Ancelotti’s glowing endorsement added fuel to reports linking Alonso with the top job in Madrid.

Alonso recently announced he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season after leading the club to an historic unbeaten domestic double in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. Under his guidance, Leverkusen went from mid-table obscurity to league champions in record time, also lifting the DFL-Supercup and going unbeaten domestically throughout the 2023–24 campaign.

Ancelotti, whose own future remains uncertain, praised the Spaniard's rise to prominence. “I read that Xabi is leaving Bayer Leverkusen, where he did a fantastic job. He has all the doors open because he has shown that he is one of the best coaches in the world,” said the Italian tactician.

Though his contract at Real Madrid runs through the next season, reports continue to link Ancelotti with a potential move to manage the Brazilian national team. Still, the veteran coach refused to confirm any plans to leave. “The honeymoon with this club never ends—it continues forever,” he said. “Real Madrid, like Milan before, are the teams that stay with me. My honeymoon with Madrid will last for as long as I live.”

With Real Madrid locked in a tense La Liga title race and facing their most important domestic match of the season against Barcelona, the club is also preparing for life beyond Ancelotti. Alonso, once a midfield maestro in the famous white shirt, has emerged as the front-runner to guide the club into a new era, combining tactical acumen with a deep understanding of the club’s identity.

As Madrid seeks to balance title ambitions with long-term planning, the stage may be set for Alonso’s return to the Spanish capital—not as a player, but as the man to inherit one of the most prestigious managerial roles in world soccer.

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