Madrid: According to a report from Sky Sports on Thursday, Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, is anticipated to depart from the club following the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
Ancelotti, who resumed his role at Real Madrid in 2021, expressed uncertainty about his future after the team was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal. Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat at home and lost 5-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, concluding their title defense in a disappointing manner.
Sky Sports indicates that the 65-year-old's last match in charge will be the Copa del Rey final against fierce rivals Barcelona in Seville, after which he is expected to leave the club.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are vying for a domestic double this season, competing for the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. They are also scheduled to face each other in the upcoming La Liga 'El Clasico', but Ancelotti is not anticipated to be on the sidelines for that encounter.
Additionally, Sky Sports reported that Brazil is interested in appointing Ancelotti as their new head coach, with the possibility of him taking on the role before the conclusion of the Spanish domestic season.
During his tenure at Real Madrid, Ancelotti has secured two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, and two FIFA Club World Cups, among other accolades. His initial stint with the club lasted from 2013 to 2015, and since his return in 2021, he has amassed a total of 11 trophies.
Following the loss to Arsenal, Ancelotti was reported by Sky Sports stating:
"The club might choose to replace me, and that could happen this year or next when my contract concludes."
"Regardless of when my time here ends, I will always be thankful to this club. It could be tomorrow, in ten days, a month, or a year; whether my contract is renewed or not is of little concern to me."
"We have often focused on the positives and celebrated our victories, but we must also confront the challenges. We need to acknowledge that Arsenal has outperformed us over the two matches."
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon also shared his thoughts with Sky Sports News regarding Ancelotti's future. He remarked, "Naturally, there are several names being mentioned, such as Xabi Alonso, who has a history with Real Madrid, and (Jurgen) Klopp. Many will be speculated about in the coming days and months."
"However, I hope the president opts to retain Ancelotti. I am uncertain if he wishes to continue. Coaching this team is incredibly challenging, as there is an expectation to win consistently, which is not always feasible."
"They are discussing Xabi Alonso, but he is still committed to Leverkusen. I believe he has extended his contract, making it difficult to bring him on board," he added.
In the meantime, Brazil is optimistic about appointing Ancelotti as their next coach. A source informed Sky Sports News that a prominent Brazilian businessman, Diego Fernandes, is working to facilitate the arrangement. Although he is not officially affiliated with the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), Fernandes is thought to have a close relationship with Ancelotti, and his involvement is considered "highly strategic."
Increasing pressure is mounting within the Brazilian team to quickly appoint a new head coach. The team has been without a leader since Dorival Junior was dismissed in March following a 4-1 defeat to Argentina.
Brazil's upcoming matches are scheduled for June, where they will face Paraguay and Ecuador as part of the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
