Alex Trelinski
FORMER Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso is set to return to the La Liga club as coach, after announcing on Friday that he’s quitting Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
Alonso, 43, is believed to have clinched a three-year deal with his ex-club to replace Carlo Ancelotti in what has been pretty much an ‘open secret’.
The former midfielder told a news conference that he’s moving on after a successful three-year spell in charge of the German side.
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Alonso told reporters: “Why did I decide to leave? It’s about moments in football. Sometimes to choose the right one is the most difficult decision.”
“We have always had a very good communication with the club, it has been one of the reasons why last year I decided I want to stay. That has not changed this year, but the momentum is maybe different.”
During his time at the club, Alonso transformed Bayer Leverkusen from an underdog into a formidable force, winning two titles.
Alonso was also rumoured to be a contender for Bayern Munich vacancy last summer but chose to stay at Leverkusen.
Pressed on Friday about his impending return to Real Madrid, Alonso said it was ‘not time to talk about the future’.
“Once we feel that we have fulfilled our obligations on the last day will be moment for the next thing,” he added.
Carlo Ancelotti brought plenty to success during his second spell at Real including two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues .
The current campaign though has been disappointing with deadly rivals Barcelona leading La Liga by four points, but with an El Clasico clash to come this Sunday at the Nou Camp- a must win for Real Madrid.
