The future of Xabi Alonso seems increasingly linked to the Santiago Bernabéu. As the picture becomes clearer on the European benches and Real Madrid begins to plan the replacement of Carlo Ancelotti, all roads lead to the Bayer Leverkusen coach. The German club, aware that the Spanish coach is in Madrid’s orbit, has already set a deadline for a final decision. The countdown has begun and May 11 is marked in red on the calendar.
Leverkusen sets the key date
The sporting management of Bayer Leverkusen, led by Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, has confirmed that it will not wait until the end of the season to find out its coach’s decision. In the midst of excitement over the German team’s great season—leader in the Bundesliga and recently nominated for the Laureus Awards—the club needs to plan the coming season with clarity.
Carro, Leverkusen’s CEO, spoke openly during his visit to Madrid for the Laureus Awards: “The decision must be made in the next three or four weeks,” he said, making it clear that the German club will not force the coach to stay if Real Madrid decides to sign him. And that deadline translates into a specific date: May 11.
That day, El Clásico will be played at the Lluis Companys, a crucial match that could define not only the course of LaLiga, but also the outcome of the next project for the Whites. It will be then when Leverkusen hopes to have the final decision from Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid on the table.
Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid
For months, the name of Xabi Alonso has been linked with taking over the reins at Real Madrid. His meteoric rise on the bench – from Real Sociedad B to the revolution he has led at Bayer Leverkusen – makes him the leading candidate to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who could be heading for the Brazilian national team after finishing his spell at the club.
The Tolosa-born coach not only has the backing of his great season in Germany, but also his in-depth knowledge of the Merengue club, where he played for six seasons. That emotional bond, combined with a style of play that combines defensive solidity, high pressure, and attacking football, make him the ideal candidate for Real Madrid’s new project.
In addition, the gentleman’s agreement between Leverkusen and Alonso would allow the coach to leave on friendly terms if Real Madrid decides to take the plunge. Carro himself confirmed that there is an informal agreement to facilitate his departure if one of his former clubs comes knocking on his door, something that now seems more a matter of time than desire.
Xabi Alonso’s decision
With teams such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich also keeping an eye on Xabi Alonso’s movements, his decision will have a domino effect on the coaching market. But there is already confidence in the Real Madrid camp: the Basque coach is the priority, and everything points to the club making a move before May 11.
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director, also commented on the matter in recent statements: “Nothing has been decided, but we need clarity to plan for next season.” And that clarity seems to be getting closer.
If everything goes according to plan, the Clásico on May 11 could be more than just a LaLiga duel. It could be the official prelude to the return of Xabi Alonso to the Santiago Bernabéu, this time as coach of Real Madrid.