“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.”

Xabi Alonso has said he's "very calm" despite being linked to taking charge at Real Madrid, with speculation over the future of Carlo Ancelotti.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has ducked questions about a move to Real Madrid at season's end. Xabi is being mentioned as Carlo Ancelotti's successor at Real. Ahead of Bayer 's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Xabi was asked by Spanish reporters about the Real rumours.

Victor Boniface is reportedly set to become one of the highest-paid players at Bayer Leverkusen as the German club kickstarts negotiations for a new deal.

The two standout German teams from last season are on opposite trajectories as the pressure mounts in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

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,

At a press conference on Monday, Xabi Alonso was asked about the speculation and made no secret of the special relationship he has with Real Madrid, who he represented as a player. "Time passes, but the affection remains. My bond with Real is strong, that's clear, but my focus is now on Bayer Leverkusen ," Xabi Alonso said, adding:

Alonso's side are fourth in the new 36-team table, and know a win on Tuesday will put them in a strong position of qualifying automatically for the knockout stages.

Now, as reports heighten regarding Ancelotti’s potential departure this summer, rumours speculating Alonso as the Italian’s natural heir have also increased, especially with Leverkusen’s upcoming match against Los Blancos’ bitter rivals Atlético de Madrid.

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.

Bayer Leverkusen saw their run of 11 straight UEFA Champions League wins ended 2-1 by Atletico Madrid on Monday. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Pablo Barrios was sent off in the first half, Atletico capitalised on a second-half change of pace to secure victory and move into the top three in the group.