Jurgen Klopp has hailed Xabi Alonso as a “standout” manager as he prepares to take over at Real Madrid . The Spaniard has already confirmed that he will be leaving current side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the summer. His decision comes at the same time that Real Madrid are commencing their search for a new manager, with Carlo Ancelotti set to depart for a second time. Alonso has been linked with a switch to the Bernabeu for some time. And it appears that Klopp would be a big fan having praised the former midfielder for the work he did in Germany. Speaking last season, he said: "Xabi is doing an incredible job. "If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone 'Oh my God!' Always what I said, the dinosaurs if you want, Ancelotti (Carlo), Mourinho (Jose), Guardiola (Pep), maybe me, we will not do it okay, maybe Mourinho - but all the rest will not do it for the next 20 years. "The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is a standout in that department... Former world-class player, from a coaching family as well which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing. The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional." Ironically, Klopp might have actually talked himself out of contention for the Real Madrid job, with the Spanish side eventually moving for Alonso. It had long been reported that the former Liverpool boss was among their favoured candidates for the role. Regardless, it appears that he remains content with his current role away from the dugout, according to his agent anyway. His agent Marc Kosicke told Sky Germany recently: "Jürgen is very happy with his new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull . He’s fully focused and happy there." And even Klopp has not shied away from the fact that he is content staying away from the dressing room for now. Writing on Instagram , he said: "A few months ago I said I don't see myself on the sidelines any more and that is still the case. But I still love football, I still love working and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that." Will Xabi Alonso be a success with Real Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments below Regarding Alonso, he will oversee his final match as Bayer Leverkusen boss this weekend as the German side take on Mainz away from home having already secured the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga. That looks to be the position that Ancelotti will finish in during his final season in Madrid. Real sit second and seven points behind fierce rivals Barcelona with three games to go. They will effectively hand the title to the Catalans should they fail to beat Real Mallorca on Wednesday evening. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.