Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes came to a crushing halt after a humiliating 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal, and with it, it seems Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell as manager is nearing its end.
The defeat has led to increased speculation about his future, with reports indicating that the veteran coach could be leaving the club soon, potentially taking on a new role with Brazil.
Ancelotti’s Expected Departure After Copa del Rey Final
The heavy loss to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, compounded by a disappointing 3-0 loss in the first leg and a 2-1 defeat at home, has thrown Ancelotti’s future into serious doubt.
According to Sky Sports, the 64-year-old coach could be leaving Real Madrid shortly after the Copa del Rey final on April 26.
This match, against their fierce rivals Barcelona, is set to take place in Seville, and it might be Ancelotti’s final one in charge of the Spanish giants.
Ancelotti’s Legacy and Trophies at Real Madrid
Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid has been marked by significant success.
Since rejoining the club in 2021, he has won two La Liga titles and lifted the Champions League trophy twice.
His impressive record of 11 trophies during his second stint at the club has left a legacy to be proud of, but it now seems his time in Madrid may be coming to a close.
The Remaining Fixtures and Ancelotti’s Future in Limbo
Even after the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid will still have five La Liga games left to play, including a crucial Clasico against Barcelona.
Currently trailing their rivals by four points, the outcome of this match could determine whether Ancelotti’s team can salvage any hope of winning the domestic title.
Despite his contract running until 2026, Ancelotti has admitted that the club might decide to part ways with him sooner than expected.
Ancelotti’s Plans After Real Madrid
When asked about his future, Ancelotti remained tight-lipped but acknowledged that a change could be on the horizon.
“I don’t know, maybe the club will decide to make a change,” he said.
“It could be this year or next year, when my contract runs out.”
Ancelotti added that regardless of when his departure happens, he would only have words of gratitude for the club.
“The day I finish here, I can only do one thing and that is to thank this club,” he remarked, revealing his indifference about whether his contract ends now or in a few years.
Brazil’s Continued Pursuit of Ancelotti
Ancelotti has long been a target for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), who initially courted him in 2023, but the Italian manager chose to stay at Real Madrid at the time.
Recent reports indicate that Brazil’s football authorities may be closing in on Ancelotti, with an emissary reportedly sent to Madrid to discuss a potential move.
While the CBF denied such reports, sources claim that talks between Ancelotti and Brazil are set to take place in the coming days.
The Situation in Brazil After Dorival Junior’s Sacking
Brazil’s national team has been in turmoil following the sacking of manager Dorival Junior, who was dismissed after a poor run of results, including a damaging 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying.
Despite this setback, Brazil is still on track to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The CBF’s ongoing interest in Ancelotti suggests that they are keen to bring in a seasoned manager to lead the team into the future.
Ancelotti’s Next Move
As the days pass, the football world waits to see whether Ancelotti will stay at Real Madrid or take up the opportunity to manage Brazil.
While he has enjoyed significant success at the club, the events of the past week may mark the end of his time at the Bernabeu, with the Copa del Rey final possibly being his swan song in charge.