Real Madrid might target Bayer Leverkusen’s coach as a replacement for Carlos Ancelotti by the season’s end.
An image that’s gone viral features a young Mikel Arteta, aged 41, and Xabi Alonso, aged 42, during their early days playing for San Sebastian’s Antiguoko before taking different paths in their professional careers.
Their trajectories crossed paths again in 2005, with Arteta joining Everton in the Premier League while Alonso was already at Liverpool in Merseyside.
Arteta transitioned from Everton to Arsenal in 2011, where he played until 2016 before stepping into the role of head coach in 2019.
Meanwhile, Alonso left Liverpool in 2009 and moved to the Spanish capital. During his time at Real Madrid as a player, which spanned six seasons, he secured La Liga in 2012 and later claimed the Champions League in 2014, coinciding with Ancelotti’s initial tenure at the club.
Following three seasons at Bayern Munich, the World Cup winner of 2010 retired and took charge of Real Madrid’s youth team, later assuming leadership of Real Sociedad’s B squad.
In 2022, Alonso took on the role of Leverkusen’s first-team manager, catching the attention of Real Madrid, who are eager to appoint him as Ancelotti’s successor next season.
Upon his arrival in October of the previous year, Alonso replaced Gerardo Seoane when the club was positioned second from the bottom after eight Bundesliga matches. He orchestrated an impressive turnaround, guiding Leverkusen to a sixth-place finish in the league and the Europa League semi-finals.
This season, his team has dominated the league, currently sitting at the top, two points ahead of reigning champions Bayern Munich.
Although Ancelotti, the Brazilian coach, is anticipated to step down at the conclusion of the season upon the expiration of his contract, Real Madrid isn’t bothered by Alonso’s limited managerial experience. They believe his track record demonstrates he’s a strong candidate for their next head coach.
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 1st in the Champions League with 9 points.
In the last 4 games, it has won 3 times and lost once. In its last match, Arsenal won 2-0 against Sevilla.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 3.
Arsenal will play the next match in Champions League against Lens on Wednesday 29th of November in London. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
Real Madrid performance and stats
Real Madrid is currently 1st in the Champions League with 12 points.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 3.
Real Madrid will play the next match in Champions League against Napoli on Wednesday 29th of November in Madrid. The prediction is Real Madrid winning the match.
Galatasaray performance and stats
Galatasaray is currently 3rd in the Champions League with 4 points.
In the last 10 games, it has won 6 times, drawn twice, and lost twice. In its last match, Galatasaray lost 2-1 against FC Bayern München.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 7 goals and conceding 9.
Galatasaray will play the next match in Champions League against Manchester United on Wednesday 29th of November in İstanbul. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.
