“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.

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.

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 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.

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,

Atletico Madrid host Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League with both sides vying for a place in the round of 16 at the end of the league phase. Diego Simeone's men come into this 11th in the UCL standings and one point off the top eight with Xabi Alonso's side fourth with 13 points from six games.

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

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:

Xabi Alonso has responded about potentially replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. The ex-Los Blancos midfielder has done a phenomenal job with Bundesliga ou

Could Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen repeat the chaotic classic that was their last encounter?Say what you will about the new Champions League format, it has served up a number of mouthwatering

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.