Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful managers in football, is on the verge of exiting Real Madrid after a fruitful stint at the helm. With persistent rumors surrounding his future, the Italian tactician is expected to meet with club president Florentino Pérez in the coming days to finalize his departure.
This comes amid increasing speculation that Ancelotti will take over as the manager of Brazil’s national team. The shift in leadership could mark the end of a memorable chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Ancelotti has enjoyed considerable success.
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A Season of Disappointments and Growing Uncertainty
The 2024 season has been challenging for Ancelotti and Real Madrid, with recent defeats intensifying questions about the Italian’s future. Madrid’s recent 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final was a bitter pill to swallow, following their 5-1 aggregate defeat by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals. Despite this, the team remains in contention for the La Liga title, sitting just four points off the top with five games left.
Although Ancelotti’s contract at Madrid runs until 2026, persistent rumors and disappointing results have fueled speculation about his departure. According to sources, discussions between Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have resumed, with the Brazilian national team emerging as his most likely next destination.
Impending Exit: Ancelotti and Pérez Prepare for Talks
As per sources close to the situation, Ancelotti is scheduled to meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in the coming days to discuss the coach’s future. The most probable outcome of these talks is an agreement for Ancelotti to leave the club after the final La Liga game of the season, which will be against Real Sociedad.
Madrid is keen to bid farewell to Ancelotti in a manner befitting his legacy, as one of the most decorated managers in the club’s illustrious history. Ancelotti has led Los Blancos to three Champions League titles and two La Liga titles over two separate spells at the Bernabéu, cementing his status as a club legend.
Ancelotti’s Own Words: A Calm Approach to the Future
In the aftermath of the Copa del Rey final loss, Ancelotti remained tight-lipped about his future. When asked about his status at the club, he responded with a calm demeanor, stating, “Whether I continue [at Madrid] is an issue for the coming weeks, not for today.” He acknowledged the ongoing speculation but refrained from offering any definitive answers.
“I don’t want to talk about my future,” he added on April 19, a day after Madrid’s exit from the Champions League. “We’re still competing for trophies. We’ll talk about it with the club at the end of the season. I’ve always had a great relationship with the club. There’ll be no confrontation.”
Ancelotti’s remarks indicated that while the future remains uncertain, he is committed to finishing the season with Madrid and analyzing the situation only once the campaign concludes.
Brazil Beckons: A Long-Standing Interest from the CBF
One of the most significant developments in Ancelotti’s future is the interest shown by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). According to multiple reports, the CBF has long been interested in the 65-year-old Italian coach. Prior to his contract extension with Madrid in December 2023, there were even discussions regarding a potential agreement between Ancelotti and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
The CBF has made it clear that they are keen on appointing Ancelotti, and sources suggest that a contract with Brazil could be for less than four years. This development is not new; an emissary from the CBF, Diego Fernandes, was reportedly present at Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Arsenal, further indicating the seriousness of their interest in Ancelotti.
As the CBF looks to finalize their managerial appointment ahead of the June FIFA window, Ancelotti’s decision to leave Madrid and assume the Brazil job seems increasingly likely. In fact, sources close to the matter claim that Ancelotti has already informed the club of his intentions to leave at the end of the season.
The Immediate Future: Who Will Replace Ancelotti?
With Ancelotti expected to step down after the La Liga season, the question of who will take over Madrid looms large. Although a direct successor has not been confirmed, there are indications that the club will likely appoint an interim manager for the time being.
Football director Santi Solari, former Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez (now Castilla’s coach), or under-19s coach Álvaro Arbeloa are all potential candidates for the temporary role. Madrid’s upcoming Club World Cup campaign, starting in June, will likely play a role in determining the immediate coaching strategy.
In the long term, names like Xabi Alonso, who has made a name for himself with Bayer Leverkusen, have been mentioned as potential replacements. However, the priority for Madrid’s board will be to ensure that the team transitions smoothly during this period of change.
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FAQs
Why is Carlo Ancelotti leaving Real Madrid?
Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid after the current season, with discussions underway for him to take over as the coach of Brazil’s national football team.
When will Ancelotti meet with Florentino Pérez about his departure?
Ancelotti is expected to meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in the coming days to discuss his exit, with a final decision likely after the last La Liga game of the season.
What is Ancelotti’s contract situation with Real Madrid?
Ancelotti’s current contract with Real Madrid runs until 2026, but he is expected to leave the club early to take up the Brazil coaching role.
Who could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid?
Possible short-term replacements for Ancelotti include Santi Solari, Raul Gonzalez, or Álvaro Arbeloa, with long-term options like Xabi Alonso being considered.
When is Brazil’s next FIFA date, and why is it relevant for Ancelotti?
Brazil’s next FIFA date is in June, making it an ideal time for Ancelotti to transition into the national team coaching role following his expected departure from Real Madrid.
