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Xabi Alonso has played down speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, saying it's "not a good time" to discuss his future amid a crucial stage of the season with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 43-year-old Leverkusen manager is reportedly on Real Madrid's radar as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti, should the Italian depart at the end of the campaign. But Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and the German Cup last season, is staying focused on the present.
"It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very important moment in the season," Alonso said. "I don't want to talk about speculation and rumours. I understand they're out there, but what matters most to me is what's happening right now."
Leverkusen currently sit six points behind Bayern Munich with five matches remaining in the Bundesliga.
Club CEO Fernando Carro recently emphasized that Alonso is "comfortable" at Leverkusen and already involved in planning for next season.
Despite being previously linked with managerial roles at Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, Alonso reiterated his commitment to Leverkusen earlier this year, following discussions with the club's hierarchy.
A decorated former player, Alonso enjoyed a glittering career that included spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. Since retiring in 2017, he's made a swift rise through the coaching ranks, beginning with Real Madrid's U-14 team and then managing Real Sociedad B before taking over at Leverkusen in October 2022. He transformed the club from near the bottom of the table to a sixth-place finish in his debut season, before achieving domestic dominance last year.
Leverkusen also reached the Europa League final, losing 3–0 to Atlanta—marking their only defeat across 53 matches in all competitions.
