Xabi Alonso under pressure! Bayer Leverkusen left 'paralysed' as club chiefs demand decision on coach's future amid Real Madrid links

After guiding Leverkusen to a first ever Bundesliga title as well as DFB-Pokal success and a Europa League final, Alonso snubbed interest from Liverpool and Madrid in order to stay at the German club. However, the ex-midfielder continues to be linked with other clubs and it is not clear where his future lies.

The reigning Bundesliga champions have been left "paralysed" by the uncertainty, Bild reports, and the board are pressing the 43-year-old to make a decision. With Carlo Ancelotti under pressure at Real Madrid, the Spanish giants are expected to bring in a new coach this summer and Alonso is regarded as their favourite candidate.

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro confirmed recently that a "gentlemen's agreement" is in place that would allow Alonso to leave at the end of the season. Now, though, the directors are pushing him to make a decision this week so that, should he go, they can search for another coach.

Leverkusen have virtually no hope of winning the Bundesliga title, with Bayern Munich set to get the crown back this weekend.