“Players like Xabi Alonso in midfield have the capacity to read the whole game,” Simeone said then. “Alonso’s return meant Madrid found the famous ‘balance’ their coach (then Carlo Ancelotti) was looking for. But the balance is Xabi Alonso, not the others.”

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso lamented his side's failure to hold onto a first-half lead at 10-man Atletico Madrid, who fought back to beat them 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, saying his side lacked the maturity to cope with the pressure.

Bayer Leverkusens Xabi Alonso reflects on his teams naivety after a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid, highlighting lessons for future matches.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has finally responded to growing speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job. Rumors suggest that current boss Carlo Ancelotti may step down earlier than expected.

Carlo Ancelotti has no plans to leave Real Madrid anytime soon. The Italian has held the position of head coach since 2021 and has led the Spanish giants to two league titles and two Champions

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is rumoured to have decided to leave his post at the end of season, sparking speculation that Xabi Alonso will be brought in to replace him

Xabi Alonso could make up to five changes to his Bayer Leverkusen side ahead of their Champions League against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night.Lukas Hradecky, Arthur,

The Spanish coach is the main candidate to replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Bayer Leverkusen head coach does not think his side were mature enough during their 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

However, speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Red Bull Salzburg, Ancelotti has insisted that no decision has been made regarding his future, and he could stay until 2029, with Florentino Perez remaining as Real Madrid president for another four years.

Piero Hincapie had put Leverkusen a goal up in the first half, following Pablo Barrios' red card for Atleti, which had looked like it put the visitors on course for victory