With Carlo Ancelotti's future hanging in the balance after a Champions League debacle, Alonso is the hot favorite to take over. But the 43-year-old manager isn't biting.

Speaking before Leverkusen's Bundesliga clash with St Pauli, Alonso shut down the chatter. 'It's not the right time to discuss the future,' he said. 'We're in a crucial moment in the season. I don't want to talk about speculation and rumors. I understand it's happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now.'