Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has distanced himself from speculation he could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid in the summer.

Ancelotti is under significant pressure in Madrid after an underwhelming start to the season, with club officials said to be prepared to accelerate their plans to hire Alonso this summer, rather than wait until Ancelotti’s contract expires in 2026.

It was reported earlier this week, however, that Ancelotti has already communicated his plan to step down as Madrid manager at the end of the season, freeing the Spanish side up to pursue Alonso.

Ahead of Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Alonso was unsurprisingly quizzed on his thoughts about the speculation.

“Already questions on Real Madrid?” he laughed. “Time goes by but the affection remains.

“Our bond is very strong, that is clear, but my total focus is on Bayer Leverkusen now, that’s in my mind. I’m calm. I have enough things to worry about, it’s not on my mind right now.”

Like Ancelotti, Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen is due to expire in 2026 but he is widely expected to depart this summer in search of a new challenge. Madrid are known to be keen to hire Alonso eventually and are even thought to be looking to bring midfielder Florian Wirtz over with him.