Carlo Ancelotti said Xabi Alonso has "all doors open" as he leaves Bayer Leverkusen, praising the "fantastic job" the man expected to replace him at Real Madrid has done with the Bundesliga side.
Alonso confirmed on Friday that he will be leaving Leverkusen at the end of this season after almost three years in charge, with a source telling ESPN the Spanish coach is "close" to becoming Ancelotti's successor at Madrid.
Ancelotti is expected to leave after Madrid's last LaLiga game of the season, against Real Sociedad the weekend of May 25, although the team still have a chance of winning the league going into this Sunday's Clásico with Barcelona.