Ancelotti hails his Real Madrid ‘successor’

Carlo Ancelotti has called Xabi Alonso "one of the best in the world" amid rumours the Spaniard will replace him as Real Madrid manager.

On Friday, Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso said he would be leaving the German club at the end of this season.

Alonso is set to be announced as the new Real Madrid boss once Ancelotti's departure is officially confirmed.

Speaking before Madrid's El Clasico La Liga fixture against rivals Barcelona on Sunday, Ancelotti said 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".

But the 65-year-old, who is rumoured to be the next Brazil manager, refused to directly answer any questions about own his managerial future.

"With this club, the honeymoon doesn't end," said Ancelotti. "The honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life."

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.

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.