Ex-Liverpool star 'chosen' as next Real Madrid manager

Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has already been 'chosen' to take over as head coach of Real Madrid from next season, according to one report.

Alonso, who spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009, is the current manager of Bayer Leverkusen and has impressed since taking over in 2022.

The 41-year-old guided Leverkusen away from a relegation battle last season and into the Europa League semi finals, while he signed a three-year contract extension with the Bundesliga club last month.

Tottenham were reportedly interested in Alonso before they appointed Ange Postecoglou and many would like to see the former playmaker take over at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp finally leaves.

READ MORE: The candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp when he finally leaves Liverpool

According to Radio Marca, however, Alonso is set for the Real Madrid job next year.

Presenter Matias Prats claimed that he has 'zero doubts' that the 2010 World Cup winner will become the Madrid head coach from 2024/25, after Carlo Ancelotti leaves.

Prats said: "I believe that we know who is going to be the coach of Real Madrid next year and it is neither Ancelotti nor Raúl.

"He is a coach who trains in Germany. His name is Xabi Alonso, we all know that, right? I think he is the one the club likes the most. I don't have any doubts – zero per cent doubts – and Alonso is going to coach the Madrid team and it's not a feeling, it's information.

"I mean it's very clear to me that many things can happen because there are nine months of competition. He also knows he has a contract in Germany. Imagine that Madrid was doing very well or that Ancelotti's replacement wins the Champions League. But today clearly in Madrid they have chosen Alonso for next year."

Pressure is reportedly mounting on Ancelotti after Real Madrid lost 3-1 to Atletico Madrid at the weekend.

The veteran manager is widely expected to take over as Brazil coach at the end of the domestic season and there is speculation that he could be removed from his club job before then if results disappoint.

41-year-old Alonso is a beloved figure at both Liverpool and Real Madrid, having lifted the Champions League at both clubs.

The former Real Sociedad star was a key part of Rafa Benitez's 2005 side that achieved the 'Miracle of Istanbul', even scoring the rebounded penalty to bring the game to 3-3 and complete the comeback against AC Milan.

After signing for Madrid for around £30m in 2009, Alonso would go on to win La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014, as well as two Copa del Rey titles.