Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has branded Xabi Alonso "one of the best in the world" amid suggestions that the Bayer Leverkusen manager is heading for Bernabeu.
It was confirmed on Friday that Alonso will be standing down as head coach of Leverkusen at the end of the campaign, and the Spaniard is the red-hot favourite to replace Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are believed to be keen to have Alonso in place for the Club World Cup, which begins in the middle of June, with Ancelotti expected to leave Bernabeu once the La Liga season has concluded.
The Los Blancos boss was asked about Alonso during his press conference to preview Sunday's La Liga contest with Barcelona, and he was full of praise for the former Real Madrid midfielder.
"I have read that he [Alonso] is leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He 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," Ancelotti told reporters.
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Ancelotti: 'Alonso one of the best in the world'
Real Madrid face a must-win El Clasico, as the capital giants are second in the La Liga table, four points behind leaders Barcelona with only four games left to play.
"The team is well, focused on what we have to do and excited. We have a lot at stake. We are confident that we can do it. The games against Barcelona are complicated, but we are confident that we can win," Ancelotti told reporters.
"We have to do things right. Barcelona are used to putting the opposition in their own half. But no team is perfect. It's a game where there's a lot at stake and to win you have to manage everything well, defend well, attack well. A complete game.
"It's not complicated to motivate the players because it's a type of game for which the players already come out motivated and with a lot of confidence.
"It's been a good league and a good season. You need continuity, to be able to win it or be close to it explains very well what tomorrow's game is going to be like. We both have a lot at stake. Barca have a better chance than us, but if we win it, it will be all to play for."
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Rodrygo will return to Real Madrid squad for El Clasico
Ancelotti also confirmed that Rodrygo would be back in the squad for El Clasico after missing last weekend's clash with Celta Vigo through illness.
However, there have been suggestions that Rodrygo will start on the bench, with Arda Guler seemingly in line to feature in the final third of the field alongside Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
"Rodrygo is back and has trained well. He is available. We don't have many options for the XI, but those who are in the squad can start. Rodrygo is an option for the eleven, like Arda," Ancelotti added.
Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga are all missing for the remainder of the campaign for Real Madrid due to injuries.
Matt Law
