Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid appears to be drawing to a close, with strong indications that the Italian tactician could leave the club either after the Copa del Rey final on April 26 or at the end of the current campaign.
Sky Sports UK reported that Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid in the coming weeks. Club president Florentino Perez is keen to give the Italian a proper send-off following the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Ancelotti, who steered Los Blancos to Champions League glory last season, is set to lead his side in the Copa del Rey showdown against arch-rivals Barcelona in Seville.
However, uncertainty surrounds his future following Real Madrid’s disappointing Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal, who defeated them 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu and 5-1 on aggregate.
Having returned to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2021 for a second stint, Ancelotti has added 11 trophies to Real Madrid’s cabinet, including a pair of La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, and a Club World Cup.
Still, the club’s recent European shortcomings and a challenging domestic title race, where they trail Barcelona by four points with seven matches left, have ignited conversations about a potential managerial change.
Speaking after the Arsenal defeat, Ancelotti addressed the growing uncertainty, remarking, “Maybe the club decides to replace me, and maybe it could be this year, or next year when my contract is over.”
He continued: “But when I am done here, I will be grateful to this club. That could be tomorrow, 10 days, one month, or in one year, but if my contract ends or doesn’t end, I really don’t care.”
The Copa del Rey final could very well serve as the curtain call for the 64-year-old at Real Madrid, with reports suggesting he may not even oversee the El Clasico league encounter on May 11.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian national team is circling. Brazil is actively pursuing Ancelotti as their next head coach, with conversations reportedly in motion.
Businessman Diego Fernandes is said to be facilitating talks between the veteran manager and the Brazilian Football Federation, as the country looks to secure a top tactician ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers in June.
Ancelotti has long been admired by Brazil, especially following last year’s Copa America disappointment.
While he remains their top choice, the CBF has also explored alternatives, including Jorge Jesus of Al Hilal. The urgency intensified after Brazil parted ways with Dorival Junior in March following a crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina.
As speculation swirls, Madridistas are left to ponder the end of a fruitful era under Ancelotti, while Brazil may be on the verge of ushering in a new chapter led by one of the most accomplished managers in the sport.
