Real Madrid behind Xabi Alonso’s decision to reject Liverpool & Bayern Munich | OneFootball

An insight into the decision of Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso to rebuff the advances of two of European football’s top clubs ahead of the summer has today been forthcoming.

The name of tactician Alonso has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines across the continent over the last 24 hours.

This comes after the Spaniard announced his decision to stay put in the dugout at the aforementioned Bayer Leverkusen for another season.

In the midst of what has proven a historic campaign to date, which looks increasingly likely to culminate in the Bundesliga title, Alonso confirmed during a press conference on Friday that:

“I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will stay and continue at the club. After a lot of talk about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. This is the place to be for me.”

As much came as a heavy blow for two of Europe’s leading clubs, namely Liverpool and Bayern Munich, both of whom were understood to have identified Alonso as their first-choice managerial target with a view to next season.

On the flip side, though, it likely brought a collective smile to the faces of those behind the scenes at La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid.

Why? The understanding that the 42-year-old’s decision came with a view to taking up the reins in Spain’s capital in the not-so-distant future.

As per a report from Diario AS:

‘His desire is to coach Real Madrid and he knows that there is a window to do it.’

The ‘window’ in question comes in the summer of 2026, when Carlo Ancelotti’s current terms at the Santiago Bernabéu are set to come to an end.

Aware that a move to either Liverpool or Bayern would have reduced his chances of landing at former club Real in two years time in significant fashion, Alonso, as a result, reaffirmed his commitment to the cause at the BayArena, for the time being…

Conor Laird | GSFN