After defeat: Carlo Ancelotti’s future is on the brink

After the deserved end in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Real Madrid’s coach icon Carlo Ancelotti inevitably had to answer questions about his future. He clearly denied possible resignation thoughts. Nevertheless, he does not know what his future looks like « and I don’t want it either, » said Ancelotti after the 1-2 in the second leg against Arsenal. The English had already won the first leg 3-0.

Ancelotti has been with the royal again since 2021, and since then have been winning the Champions League and the Spanish championship with real twice. « Perhaps the association will choose a change of coach, maybe this year – or next year when my contract expires, that doesn’t matter, » said Ancelotti. Bayer Leverkusens Xabi Alonso is traded as a possible successor.

The Treaty of Ancelotti runs until summer 2026. « Whenever I leave real, I can only thank the club – whether my contract ends or not is not important to me, » said Ancelotti and added: « It can be tomorrow, in ten days, in one month or in one year. »

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois then tried to defend the Italian. « We have no doubts about Ancelotti, » said the Belgian. « It is up to us to do what we ask for on the field. »

Hard criticism from the press

Without a chance, free of ideas, harmless- the sports press spoiled with numerous real-wonders in recent years critically dealt with the royal and soundless departure of the royal. Bukayo Saka (65. ‘) and Gabriel Martinelli (90.+3’) met for the guests, Vinícius Júnior (67. ‘), the interim compensation for Real. But not more either.

« If you don’t play, there are no miracles, » criticized the « Marca ». « Arsenal storms the Bernabéu and switches off real, » wrote « Mundo Deportivo ».

Arsenal would have deservedly deserved to get on, said Ancelotti: « We have seen the lucky side many times, today the sad. We have to keep our heads up and admit that this season was not our season. There are no invincible teams. »

Now the Madrilenen are targeting other destinations. « We are still fighting for three titles in an endless season and have to concentrate on the league, the final in Copa del Rey and the club World Cup, » said Ancelotti.

What comes afterwards remains open. The topic has been waving around the future of Ancelotti in Madrid for months. Brazil wants him as a national coach for the « Selecao ». And should Ancelotti really leave Madrid this summer, Alonso should come into focus again. Madrid is said to have his ex-professional, who also won the premier class with Ancelotti in 2014, at the top of the list.