Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he will hold discussions with the club regarding his future at the end of the season, following their emphatic Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal.
The Italian coach addressed the media on Saturday, days after Madrid were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals with a humiliating 5-1 aggregate defeat to the Premier League side. The loss has sparked widespread speculation that the club may part ways with Ancelotti before his current contract expires.
“At the end of the season we will speak about (my future) with the club,” Ancelotti said during a press conference, brushing off repeated questions surrounding his position at the club.
Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, the 65-year-old tactician finds himself under pressure following the European setback. However, Ancelotti emphasised that he remains focused on the objectives that remain for Los Blancos this season.
“I have spoken with the players and the club, we all agree, we have to fight for the titles there are on the line,” he said, as Madrid prepare to take on Athletic Bilbao in a crucial La Liga fixture on Sunday.
The Spanish champions are currently four points behind leaders Barcelona in the league standings, and the two arch-rivals are also set to clash in the Copa del Rey final on April 26—a match that could provide a much-needed lift for Madrid after their continental disappointment.
Acknowledging the emotional toll of their Champions League elimination, Ancelotti admitted that both the team and supporters were reeling from the result.
“Obviously we are all hurt, and the fans, after going out of maybe the most important competition, or at least the one Madrid has had the most success in, in recent years,” he said.
The veteran coach also highlighted the unity within the club during tough times and expressed appreciation for the support he has received from club president Florentino Perez.
“We are all in the same boat, in the good and the bad times… the president (Florentino Perez) has always shown me the most affection in these moments than in the moments when we have won,” Ancelotti remarked.
In recent weeks, Ancelotti has been linked to the managerial role of the Brazilian national team, especially following the dismissal of Dorival Junior after Brazil’s heavy loss to Argentina. However, Ancelotti remained tight-lipped about the speculation.
“I don’t have to say anything at all, as I said already, at the end of the season we will speak about this,” he reiterated.
Asked whether the “end of the season” referred to before or after the FIFA Club World Cup—which Real Madrid are scheduled to participate in from June 14 in the United States—Ancelotti admitted he was unsure.
