Carlo Ancelotti issues honest response to mounting speculation over Madrid future

Carlo Ancelotti has responded honestly to speculation about a possible summer departure from Real Madrid, insisting he wants to remain in the job for “as long as possible”.

The Italian manager has seen Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League defence crashing on his head after a dismal showing in the quarter-final defeat to Arsenal days ago.

Ancelotti’s side also trails four points to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish League, with just six games remaining until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Los Blancos’ only chance of lifting a major silverware is beating Barcelona to the Copa del Rey on 26th April.

The 65-year-old has done a good job steering the 15-time European Champions to 15 trophies across his two spells at the Bernabeu and is considered to be among the Spanish champions’ greatest ever managers.

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Despite the success, rumours have intensified over Ancelotti’s future in the wake of Madrid’s disappointing European exit.

However, reports of a possible departure by the former Chelsea and Everton boss is likely to move on at the end of the season.

The Brazilian Football Federation is said to view Ancelotti as the dream candidate to lead the side into the 2026 World Cup, while Serie A giants Roma and AC Milan have recently been revealed as possible destinations.

But facing the media this morning, Ancelotti told reporters of how he loves to stay at Madrid as long as the journey takes him:

“I love being here [at Madrid] and I hope this will last as long as possible.

‘The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, contented.

“There is a lot of pressure, true, but that is always the case at this point of the season.

“I’m happy with the club, they know this has been a tough season. Stress is fuel – it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy.”

Ancelotti’s current contract with Madrid runs through to the end of the 2025/26 season.

That, notwithstanding, the manager’s main focus is on beating Barcelona in the Copa del Rey Final come 26th April.

“It’s logical that both titles come with beating Barcelona,’ he added. “That’s what we have ahead of us, and that’s what we have to do.

“We can achieve it but it’s clear that something needs to change.”