Ze Roberto is convinced Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will eventually take charge of Real Madrid.

Xabi is celebrating today after Bayer were confirmed German champions for the first time in their history.

Zé Roberto, who has a past with Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, is confident that Alonso will take over the Spanish giants.

"He is destined to do it (take over Real Madrid)," he told AS.

"His way of thinking about football and the way his team plays make him the type of coach every president wants for his club. Xabi is young, friendly and has a modern philosophy. He is the coach of the future."

The Brazilian admits at the same time that he is surprised by Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

"Yes (I was surprised), especially considering the amount of big teams that wanted him. There was talk of Bayern, Liverpool and even Real Madrid. Honestly, I think everything that happens is surprising, even for Xabi himself.

"He writes history and knows that both players and directors stand behind him, which was the key to his deciding to stay in Leverkusen. However, I am convinced that he will soon want to take the next step in his career."