Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Real Madrid might consider making a coaching change following their Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal on Wednesday night.
The Italian manager saw his team fall 2-1 at home, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate loss that sent the Gunners into the semi-finals.
The defeat marked Madrid’s 12th of the season, a sharp contrast to the mere two losses they suffered throughout the previous campaign.
“It could be that the club decide to change (coach), it could be this year — or the next when my contract expires, there’s no problem,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“The day that I leave here I can only thank the club.
“It could be tomorrow, in 10 days, in a month or a year, but all I can do will be to thank the club — if my contract’s up or not, I don’t care.”
Speculation around his future continues to swirl, with names like Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso, as well as ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, reportedly in the mix to take over.
Despite the Champions League disappointment, Ancelotti reminded the press that Real Madrid remain contenders in multiple competitions, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup set for this summer.
“The team gave everything in terms of attitude, but we weren’t able to do it,” he said in the aftermath of the defeat to Arsenal.
“To be honest Arsenal defended very well, we found it hard to find space, in terms of intensity we were better but it was not enough.”
