• Alonso in demand after guiding Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title
• Has been tipped to succeed Carlo Ancelotti
• Could also potentially take over Liverpool or Bayern in the future

WHAT HAPPENED?

Alonso's remarkable success at Leverkusen has positioned him as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe with Liverpool and Bayern Munich previously leading the chase. Despite the interest, the 42-year-old Spaniard has affirmed his commitment to remain at the helm of the Bundesliga outfit for at least one more season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

However, Leverkusen's leadership acknowledges the challenge of retaining Alonso over the long term, given his burgeoning reputation and the inevitable interest from top clubs across Europe. Among the potential destinations for Alonso, Real Madrid stands out prominently as Carro expressed his belief that Alonso could eventually return to the Spanish capital where he enjoyed a distinguished playing career, albeit this time as a coach.

WHAT CARRO SAID

Speaking to Cadena Ser, Carro said: "I have no doubt that Xabi Alonso will coach Real Madrid at some point. What I am not clear about is when, but that he will end up at Real Madrid I have no doubt, as it is also possible that he trains Liverpool or Bayern. There are a lot of clubs interested, that's how it is, which doesn't mean that in the future he can't coach some of the clubs mentioned, especially his former teams as a player. But he feels comfortable here, otherwise he wouldn't continue. We will maintain our ambition to play in the Champions League next year."

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite Real Madrid's current managerial stability under Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract extends until 2026, reports suggest that the club's hierarchy views Alonso as the ideal candidate to succeed Ancelotti when his tenure concludes. The backing of Real Madrid's board, including club president Florentino Perez, further solidifies Alonso's prospects of assuming the managerial reins at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2026. Allegedly aware of the esteem in which the club's leadership holds him, Alonso has opted to remain at Leverkusen, biding his time for a potential return to Real Madrid.

WHAT NEXT?

Alonso is focused on preparing Leverkusen for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against West Ham at London Stadium on April 18, following their 2-0 victory in the first leg at BayArena.