Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid is reportedly coming to an end. Reports are coming in that the Italian coach is set to depart either after the Copa del Rey final on April 26 or at the end of the current season.
Ancelotti, who won the UEFA Champions League last season, will lead Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26. The Italian’s future was cast into doubt following Real’s Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, where they were defeated 2-1 at home, losing 5-1 on aggregate.
Ancelotti, who rejoined Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, has won 11 trophies during his second stint at the club, including two La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, and the Club World Cup.
However, despite his successful tenure, Real Madrid’s failure to progress in the Champions League and their current position in the La Liga race, trailing Barcelona by four points with seven games remaining, has prompted speculation over his future.
In a post-match interview following the defeat to Arsenal, Ancelotti spoke about his uncertain future, saying: “Maybe the club decides to replace me, and maybe it could be this year, or next year when my contract is over.”
He added: “But when I am done here, I will be grateful to this club. That could be tomorrow, 10 days, one month, or in one year, but if my contract ends or doesn’t end, I really don’t care.”
The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, which will take place in Seville, will likely mark the end of Ancelotti’s stint at the Spanish giants. Despite the impending departure, the Italian is not expected to be in charge for Real’s El Clasico clash with Barcelona on May 11, as per Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Brazil has set its sights on appointing Ancelotti as the national team’s new head coach, with discussions already underway.
Sources suggest that Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandes is working behind the scenes to broker a deal between Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), although time is running out for the CBF to secure an appointment before their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers in June.
Ancelotti has long been a target for Brazil following last year’s Copa America, but the CBF has also reportedly considered other candidates, including Al Hilal’s Jorge Jesus. Brazil is in urgent need of a coach after parting ways with Dorival Junior in March following a 4-1 loss to Argentina.
As speculation mounts over Ancelotti’s future, Real Madrid fans are left to reflect on a period of success under his leadership, while the Brazilian national team may be preparing for a new era under the guidance of one of football’s most decorated managers.
