Sky News reports that, following the elimination against Arsenal in the Champions League, the Italian coach will leave the Spanish giants after facing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
A day after Real Madrid suffered yet another painful defeat to Arsenal losing 1-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu after a heavy 0-3 loss in London effectively crashing out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, a significant development has emerged regarding the club’s future.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the club before the season concludes, signaling the end of his second spell in charge of the Spanish giants.
The timing of this revelation has only intensified the already high tensions within the club. Real Madrid’s failure to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive year is being viewed as a critical turning point, particularly for a club where European success is deeply embedded in its identity. The pressure on Ancelotti, who has enjoyed success with Real Madrid in the past, including winning LaLiga and the Champions League in 2022, has now reached boiling point.
According to Sky, Ancelotti will remain in his post long enough to oversee the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona, scheduled for April 26 in Seville. That high-stakes El Clásico final will not only be a chance for redemption but might also serve as his farewell match. Even though five more LaLiga fixtures will remain on the calendar including another clash with Barcelona the report suggests the decision for Ancelotti to step down has already been made internally.
The Italian manager has been consistently linked with the Brazil national team job, a position currently vacant after their recent struggles. The Brazilian Football Confederation has reportedly had Ancelotti on their radar for over a year, and recent developments only seem to have accelerated talks. It is believed that Brazil is offering a long-term project with full backing, appealing to Ancelotti at this stage in his career.
In Spain, however, the media is divided. While British sources treat his departure as imminent, AS, a well-respected Spanish sports daily, maintains a more cautious stance. According to AS, Ancelotti's fate is not entirely sealed, as it hinges on two critical outcomes: the result of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and the race for the LaLiga title. Despite being under contract until 2026, Real Madrid’s board may opt for continuity if the team manages to overturn their current standing and finish the season strongly.
As it stands, Real Madrid are second in LaLiga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. The Catalan side leads with 70 points, while Madrid has 66, and Atlético Madrid are close behind with 63. With five games left, including another high-stakes Clásico, the title is still mathematically within reach but it will require consistency and near-perfect performances from a side that has shown inconsistency in recent weeks.
Behind the scenes, there is also talk of dressing room fatigue, with some players reportedly losing confidence in Ancelotti’s tactical approach and game management. Others in the squad remain loyal, particularly veterans who have enjoyed success under the Italian’s calm leadership style. However, the club’s hierarchy, led by president Florentino Pérez, is said to be considering a change not just to freshen up the squad tactically, but to initiate a broader transition as several older players reach the twilight of their careers.
Should Ancelotti depart after the Copa del Rey final, attention will swiftly turn to potential replacements. Names like Xabi Alonso, currently performing admirably at Bayer Leverkusen, and Zinedine Zidane, who remains unattached, are already being floated in the Spanish press. The decision will ultimately shape the next chapter of Real Madrid’s identity both tactically and in terms of squad management.
For now, all eyes turn to Seville on April 26. The Clásico final will not only decide silverware but could also close the curtain on Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid legacy. Whether it ends in triumph or disappointment, the pressure, the expectations, and the consequences will be monumental.
