Context:

Carlo Ancelotti praised Xabi Alonso as one of the best in the world amid speculation that Alonso will succeed him as the Real Madrid manager. Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, announced his departure at the end of the season, having led the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a German Cup victory. Ancelotti, who has won 15 trophies with Real Madrid, spoke warmly of his time with the club, hinting at a potential future with the Brazilian national team. Real Madrid trails Barcelona by four points with four matches remaining, risking a trophyless season. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player who won the Champions League in 2014, is expected to usher in a new era for the club once officially appointed.

Dive Deeper:

• Carlo Ancelotti expressed high regard for Xabi Alonso, calling him one of the best in the world, as rumors circulate about Alonso taking over as Real Madrid's manager.

• Xabi Alonso, the current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has decided to leave the German club at the end of the season, after leading them to an undefeated Bundesliga title and securing the German Cup in his first full managerial season.

• Ancelotti, who has achieved significant success with Real Madrid by winning 15 trophies, including a recent Champions League-La Liga double, may be considering a future role with the Brazilian national team.

• Despite Ancelotti's accomplishments, Real Madrid is currently trailing Barcelona by four points in the league, facing the possibility of finishing the season without a trophy for the first time in four years.

• Xabi Alonso's expected appointment as Real Madrid's manager marks a significant transition, as he brings his experience as a former player who won the Champions League with the club in 2014, potentially starting a new chapter for the team.