Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti praises expected replacement Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has showered praise on Xabi Alonso, who is expected to be his successor at the club. The Italian manager hailed the Spaniard as one of the best coaches in the world. 

Alonso has parted ways with Bayern Leverkusen, the team he took to new heights. The former midfielder played a key role in taking Leverkusen to glory in the Bundesliga 2023-24 season as the team remained unbeaten throughout their campaign with 28 wins and six draws.

Ancelotti is expected to leave after Madrid’s last LaLiga game of the season, against Real Sociedad on May 25.

“I saw [Alonso’s announcement],” Ancelotti told a news conference on Saturday.

“I’ve read he’s leaving Leverkusen, where he’s done a fantastic job. All doors are open to him, because he’s shown himself to be one of the best coaches in the world.”

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has won the most trophies of any Madrid coach, including three Champions Leagues but faced criticism after Los Blancos was knocked out of Europe’s most elite tournament. Ancelotti said he has a deep connection with Real Madrid after all the success he has enjoyed with the club.

“The honeymoon with this club never ends,” Ancelotti said. “The honeymoon will continue forever. Real Madrid is like [AC] Milan, teams that stay in your heart more than others.

“If you ask about the honeymoon as coach, I don’t know, but the honeymoon continues. Like any relationship, there’s a lot of passion at first, and then there are a lot of other things, when the passion goes, there are other things like affection. I think my honeymoon with Real Madrid will continue all my life.”

Speaking ahead of the El Clásico against arch-rivals Barcelona, Ancelotti said they must be at the top of their game to push for the La Liga title as Hansi Flick’s team has a four-point lead.

“In these games you have to do everything well,” Ancelotti said. “You have to defend well. They’re a team that tends to push you back into your own half, and when you have the ball, you have to make the most of their weaknesses, because no team is perfect.”