Ancelotti’s Future: A Farewell Announced at Real Madrid
For months, Carlo Ancelotti has answered questions about his future. Although he has usually done so with a smile, the last few weeks have revealed a certain tension in his public appearances, as Real Madrid’s season crumbled.
The pre-match press conference against Celta de Vigo was no different. Of the 13 questions, eight dealt, directly or indirectly, with his future, a topic that the Italian coach was trying to avoid.
“I’m not angry, I’m calm,” insisted Ancelotti, ending with a laugh. “I know exactly what I have to do, what I’m going to do, and what I’m doing, which is not talking about my future. I know it disappoints, but I don’t care!”
Carlo Ancelotti
While his usual answer before was that he had a contract until June 2026, the situation has changed. At Real Madrid, results dictate the fate of a coach, and this season, the results have not been the best.
In LaLiga, the team is four points behind leader Barcelona, a difference that does not reflect the gap in quality and performance between both teams in the 2024-25 season. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona has captivated with 91 goals in 34 matches, while Ancelotti’s Madrid has struggled to find its identity, with injuries and difficulties integrating its offensive talents into an effective team.
The results in the Clásicos have been devastating: a 4-0 home defeat, a 5-2 defeat in the Super Cup, and a defeat in the Copa del Rey final. These results are usually synonymous with dismissal at Real Madrid, added to the elimination in the Champions League against Arsenal.
Although Madrid could still win LaLiga, Ancelotti’s fate seems to be decided. The coach himself confirmed it: “I have a lot of affection for my club, for my players and for the fans. And I respect them. So I will talk about my future on May 25 (after the last game of the season), and not before”.
Is Ancelotti leaving Real Madrid?
Everything indicates that yes, after a season that has not met expectations. The defeats in the Clásicos and the performance in the Champions League are evidence of this. In addition, the defeats against teams like Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool, and the elimination in the Copa del Rey, have affected.
There are mitigating factors, such as the injury crisis, but Ancelotti has failed to exploit the team’s potential, and he knows it.
In Madrid, sentimentality has no place. Ancelotti’s departure seems imminent.
The key question is whether it’s by their own decision or if they are fired, as the economic aspect is relevant. If they were to resign, they would lose the last year of their contract, which is estimated at 11 million euros annually. It is more advantageous to wait to be fired and receive compensation.
Real Madrid also prefers to avoid dismissal, given the good relationship between both parties. The ideal option is a mutual agreement, which must be approved by the coach and president Florentino Pérez. A meeting is expected to discuss the terms of the departure.
When will he leave? And if everyone agrees, why isn’t it official yet?
Because Real Madrid is still in the fight for LaLiga. Ancelotti has said that they are focused on fighting for the title until the end. The departure is expected to be finalized at the end of the season, although the announcement could come sooner to prepare a proper farewell.
Furthermore, it is unlikely that Ancelotti will be in charge of the team at the Club World Cup, as it could complicate his next step: managing the Brazilian national team in the qualifiers for the World Cup.
Is Brazil Ancelotti’s next destination?
Ancelotti is the preferred candidate of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to coach the national team. Although in 2023 he extended his contract with Real Madrid, the CBF remains interested in him. However, time is a key factor, as they need a new coach for the World Cup qualifying matches in June.
The list of those called up for those matches will be announced on May 26, one day after LaLiga ends. The CBF could wait for Ancelotti’s situation to be defined, but they are expected to announce their new coach at the end of next week.
Who will be the next Real Madrid coach?
Xabi Alonso, from Bayer Leverkusen, is the long-term candidate. Although in 2023 doubts arose about whether he was ready, his three years at Leverkusen prove that he is. The CEO of Leverkusen has made it clear that they will not oppose his departure if he decides to join Madrid. However, the Club World Cup in June leaves little time for Alonso to adapt.
For this reason, an interim appointment is considered, leaving Alonso for the 2025-26 season. Santiago Solari is the favorite for this position, with experience in difficult situations. Other options are Raúl González and Álvaro Arbeloa.
With drawbacks in both options, Madrid must decide whether to opt for an interim coach or accelerate Alonso’s arrival.
Ancelotti’s legacy at Madrid is assured, but now it remains to manage his departure in the best possible way.
Despite not wanting to talk about his future, Ancelotti is sure that his farewell will be fantastic.
“Whatever happens, it will be a fantastic farewell. I will never have a fight with this club. I have never had one in six years, and I will never have one. I will not even allow myself to argue with the club on my last day. Whenever it is, it will be beautiful.”
Carlo Ancelotti
