Fernando Morientes believes Xabi Alonso is the “perfect fit” to take over at Real Madrid should Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell come to a close. The former striker’s comments come amid mounting pressure on Ancelotti, following a 3-0 first-leg defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking to bet365, Morientes praised the Bayer Leverkusen boss, saying:
“I have a deep affection for Xabi Alonso—not only was he my teammate, but he’s also a close friend. As a coach, I have immense respect for him. His rise has been impressive and very well-planned.
“He started with the youth ranks, then stepped up gradually to professional football. Every move he’s made has been calculated and successful. What he accomplished last season at Leverkusen was extraordinary. For me, he’s the standout candidate to replace Ancelotti.
“He’s already part of the Real Madrid family, so the transition would be seamless. There’s no need for big spending—he’s ready, he’s a natural leader, and he’s not your average coach. I think he’d be a fantastic fit on the Madrid bench.”
Ancelotti is currently under contract with Real Madrid until June 2026, which means he is expected to stay for at least one more season. However, after the heavy loss in London, discussions around his future have resurfaced. He’s previously been linked to the vacant Brazil national team job, adding to the uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Alonso has continued to impress. After leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and securing both the league title and DFB-Pokal, he also guided the team to the Europa League final. Although this season hasn’t matched last year’s highs—Leverkusen trails Bayern by six points—there’s been no clear indication that Alonso is looking to leave.
Ultimately, Real Madrid’s decision to move on from Ancelotti may hinge on whether the team can stage a dramatic second-leg comeback against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu. Under Ancelotti, Madrid has built a reputation for pulling off stunning Champions League turnarounds, and another miracle could yet save his job. If not, all attention will turn to president Florentino Pérez and whether he feels it’s time to begin a new chapter—with Xabi Alonso at the helm.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen performance and stats
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen is currently 2nd in the Bundesliga with 63 points.
In the last 29 games, it has won 18 times, drew 9 times, and lost twice. In its last match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen drew 0-0 against FC Union Berlin.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 63 goals and conceding 34.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will play the next match in Bundesliga against St. Pauli on Sunday 20th of April in Hamburg.
Real Madrid performance and stats
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently 11th in the Champions League with 15 points.
In the last 12 games, it has won 8 times and lost 4 times. In its last match, Real Madrid lost 3-0 against Arsenal.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 20 goals and conceding 12.
Real Madrid will play the next match in Champions League against Arsenal on Wednesday 16th of April in Madrid. The prediction is Real Madrid winning the match.
