01 October 2023 , 23:30
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Bayer Leverkusen have rubbished rumours linking manager Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.
The Spaniard spent five years at the Bernabeu as a player, winning the Champions League and La Liga and establishing himself as a revered figure with the fans. Indeed, after gaining his UEFA Elite coaching qualification in 2018, he returned to the club to take charge of one of their academy sides.
But after a stint as manager of Real Sociedad B he took over at Leverkusen in October 2022, guiding the German club to the Europa League semi finals. And they've started this season on fire, taking 16 points from 18 in the Bundesliga to sit top of the table.
But their early-season form has come amid Alonso, 41, being reportedly lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real. The Italian is widely expected to take the Brazil national job at the end of the 2023/24 season, with his former player outlined as his long-term replacement.
However, Alonso, who was also linked to Spurs in the summer, recently signed a new deal committing him to his current club until 2026. And Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes claimed the club aren't concerned over their manager's loyalties.
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“We got his commitment a few weeks ago, when he extended his contract”, He said, via Mundo Deportivo. “Xabi doesn’t have to say anything. He has extended his contract. He’s fully focused here.”
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Leverkusen's only dropped points this season came courtesy of a 2-2 draw with title rivals Bayern Munich last month. And their unbeaten record continued on Saturday with a 3-0 win at Mainz.
When asked by reporters if he is aware of the reports surrounding Real, Alonso was coy with his answer. He refused to provide an in-depth response but also didn't shut down the suggestion.
"It’s too early to talk about this, we’re in September, so it’s not an issue to discuss," he said. "Both the players and I know how football works, it’s not a problem for anyone, and we have not talked about it."