Alonso refuses to discuss Leverkusen future amid Real Madrid links
Bayer Leverkusen face Freiburg in the Bundesliga this weekend, but much of the pre-match talk surrounded Xabi Alonso's future at the club.
Xabi Alonso refused to discuss his future as Bayer Leverkusen's head coach as reports continue to link him with a potential move to former club Real Madrid.
Alonso, who spent five years with Madrid as a player, is touted to replace Carlo Ancelotti should the Italian leave the club at the end of the season.
Ancelotti himself has been linked with a potential role with the Brazilian national team, with the five-time World Cup winners without a manager since sacking Dorival Junior.
The Leverkusen boss won five major honours during his time with Los Blancos, a trophy cabinet that includes one LaLiga and Champions League title.
"My future? Nothing new to say, the answer remains the same. We have to wait," Alonso told reporters ahead of Leverkusen's Bundesliga trip to Freiburg on Sunday.
"Communication with the club is still good. There is clarity between everyone."
Alonso has become one of the brightest young coaches to emerge over the last few years following his record-breaking campaign with Leverkusen in 2023-24.
The Spaniard guided the club to their first Bundesliga title, going unbeaten in the German top-flight, as well as lifting the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.
Alonso has won 89 of his 137 games in charge of Leverkusen in all competitions (D30 L18), though this season has fallen short of expectations.
Leverkusen find themselves eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and Vincent Kompany's side could potentially clinch the title this weekend.
"It's still the second-best season in the club's history and we want to continue pursuing this goal," Alonso added.
Leverkusen play away to a Freiburg side who are fourth in the standings and fighting for Champions League spots, with the possibility of equalling a long-standing record.
Indeed, Alonso's team are unbeaten in their last 32 away league games (W23 D9) and can equal Bayern's record of 33 from 2012 to 2014 if they avoid defeat.
"They have that chance and they will certainly be extra motivated. But that's not a problem for us because it also motivates us a lot when we know that the opposing team is determined to beat us," Alonso said.
"This battle is very exciting to watch at the moment. In the remaining three games, we only have Freiburg, (Borussia) Dortmund and Mainz as opponents who are fighting for European spots. They will be intense games for us again."
But the visitors could be without Nigerian forward Victor Boniface, who has scored 11 times in all competitions this season.
"He felt something in his thigh muscles yesterday and didn't train today," Alonso said. "We'll see if he's available for Sunday."