Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday added to the growing speculation of Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement at Real Madrid.
On Friday, Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso said he would be leaving the German club at the end of this season.
However, Ancelotti described Alonso as ‘one of the best in the world’ while speaking ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico La Liga fixture against rivals Barcelona.
Ancelotti praises Xabi Alonso amid rumours the Spaniard will replace him as Real Madrid manager.
According to Ancelotti, who is expected to step down at the end of the season, Alonso “has done an incredible job and he has the doors open to him because he has shown he is one of the best in the world.”
Rumour also have it that Alonso is set to be announced as the new Real Madrid manager after Ancelotti’s departure is officially confirmed.
Last year, Alonso led Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title, without losing a game, and the German Cup in his first full season as a senior club manager.
The Spaniard, 43, won the Champions League as a player at Real in 2014.
The 65-year-old Ancelotti, who is rumoured to be the next Brazil manager, refused to directly answer any questions about his managerial future.
“With this club, the honeymoon doesn’t end. The honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life,” said Ancelotti.
Carlo Ancelotti has won 15 trophies across two spells as Real Madrid manager and last season led Los Blancos to a Champions League-La Liga double.
But this campaign, Real trail Barcelona by four points in the league with four matches remaining, and could end up without a trophy for the first time in four seasons.
