Carlo Ancelotti`s time managing Real Madrid might be coming to an end again. After Real Madrid`s recent Champions League exit and increased gap behind Barcelona in La Liga, there`s speculation that Ancelotti is likely to leave at the season`s end, according to sources.
Having been previously connected with the Brazil national team manager position, the news of Ancelotti potentially leaving Real Madrid isn`t entirely unexpected. Despite his Champions League victory with Real Madrid last year, discussions about his departure are gaining traction. Ancelotti, who is 65, returned to Real Madrid in 2021 to stabilize and improve the team, which he successfully achieved.
As Real Madrid looks to integrate players like Kylian Mbappe and build a balanced team for the future, it could be an opportune moment to bring in a new manager to lead the club into its next era of dominance. Although Ancelotti`s contract runs until 2026, his exit this summer is a possibility, which aligns with Brazil`s timeline for hiring a new coach.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching in just over a year, Brazil needs to finalize a permanent manager before the June international break. Brazil faces challenges in preparing for World Cup qualification, making the timing of this managerial decision crucial.
Real Madrid is scheduled to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States starting June 15. A decision regarding Ancelotti might need to be made before then if he is being considered for the Brazil job. Ancelotti, a highly successful manager with five Champions League titles, will likely have numerous options. However, it appears his time at Madrid might be concluding. Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly a leading candidate to potentially replace Ancelotti if a change occurs.
While this season hasn`t been as successful for Leverkusen as the last one, where they won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, Alonso did guide the German team in the Champions League, gaining valuable experience in a tournament highly valued by Real Madrid. No experience can fully prepare a manager for the high expectations at Madrid. However, having a tournament like the Club World Cup during the offseason could be beneficial for a new manager to adjust if Madrid decides to make a change.
Adrian Whitmore