Carlo Ancelotti stated on Tuesday that he “has no issue” with Real Madrid ahead of his upcoming departure from the club, confirming his commitment to finish the season with the team before transitioning to take over the Brazil national football team.
The 65-year-old Italian coach, who has had two successful stints at Madrid, will officially take on the Brazil role on May 26, the day following Madrid’s final La Liga match of the season. While Real Madrid has yet to announce a successor, former player Xabi Alonso, who has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen, is widely speculated to be the top contender for the job.
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) revealed Ancelotti’s appointment on Monday, before any formal statement from Madrid regarding his departure. In response, Ancelotti told reporters the next day, “The CBF released that statement because I’ll be the coach of Brazil from the 26th. Madrid will announce it when they wish; there’s no problem.”
Ancelotti continued, “I will be the coach of Brazil, which is a great challenge, but until then, I’m the coach of Real Madrid, and I aim to finish in the best possible way. I’m focused on the final stretch of this spectacular adventure.”
Despite his decorated career, which includes 15 trophies, such as three Champions League titles, Ancelotti’s final season at Madrid has been less than ideal. The club’s La Liga defense has faltered with Barcelona on the verge of securing the title. Madrid also lost the Copa del Rey final to their arch-rivals and suffered a defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals to Arsenal.
Reflecting on his time at Madrid, Ancelotti shared, “Football, like life, is an adventure that begins and ends. I’ve always known that this day would come. I’ve had an incredible time, but everything in life has a conclusion.” He emphasized, “My professionalism demands that I finish well here. I’ve never had a problem with the club, and I never will.”
Madrid’s 4-3 loss to Barcelona in El Clasico left them seven points behind their rivals, with only three matches left in the season. If Real Madrid does not beat Mallorca on Wednesday, Barcelona will clinch the title.
“I’ve had a fantastic time here, and I want to continue this way for the final two weeks I have,” Ancelotti added when questioned about the criticism over his team’s performances this season. “I’ve given my all, and the titles speak for themselves.”
