“Players like Xabi Alonso in midfield have the capacity to read the whole game,” Simeone said then. “Alonso’s return meant Madrid found the famous ‘balance’ their coach (then Carlo Ancelotti) was looking for. But the balance is Xabi Alonso, not the others.”

Despite Bayern Munich’s best efforts to lure Xabi Alonso away from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer, the Spanish head coach made it clear that his future remained with the German

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso lamented his side's failure to hold onto a first-half lead at 10-man Atletico Madrid, who fought back to beat them 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, saying his side lacked the maturity to cope with the pressure.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has finally responded to growing speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job. Rumors suggest that current boss Carlo Ancelotti may step down earlier than expected.

Xabi Alonso's emergence as the frontrunner to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is based on his impressive managerial credentials. His success at Bayer Leverkusen, culminating in a Bundesliga title and German Cup victory,

The Spanish coach is the main candidate to replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ancelotti's former player, Alonso, continues to be linked with the managerial hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu. The former Real Madrid midfielder played down the speculation when reporters asked about the rumours in Monday's pre-match press conference.

Bayer Leverkusen need to be ruthless to win at Atletico Madrid and edge closer to a direct spot in the Champions League last 16, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of Tuesday's clash. Alonso's side are fourth on 13 points in the table,

Xabi Alonso has responded about potentially replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. The ex-Los Blancos midfielder has done a phenomenal job with Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen. He has been tipped as Ancelotti's potential replacement for a while.

Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen, praised Atlético de Madrid on Monday, a team they will face this Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium in a UEFA Champions League group stage match. The Spanish coach highlighted the quality of the team led by Diego Simeone,

CARLO ANCELOTTI will quit Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso ready to replace him, according to reports. The 65-year-old boss guided Los Blancos to LaLiga and Champions League glory last season. But