In a decisive rebuttal, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has unambiguously rejected reports that he has already resolved to depart the club at the conclusion of the current campaign, irrespective of the team’s ultimate achievements. The seasoned Italian tactician, whose present contract extends until 2026, asserted emphatically, “I won’t decide my departure date from this club.”
Ancelotti’s resolute stance comes in response to assertions by Spanish radio outlet Onda Cero that the 63-year-old had predetermined his exit strategy, disregarding the outcome of Madrid’s remaining fixtures. Addressing the media prior to the club’s pivotal Champions League clash against RB Salzburg, Ancelotti unequivocally refuted these claims.
“No. I want to be very clear. I won’t decide my departure date from this club. I know the day will come. But when that day will come, I don’t know. I won’t decide. It could be tomorrow, after the next game, in a year, or in five years.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid head coach
Ancelotti’s Ambitions Aligned with Perez’s Presidency
Further underscoring his commitment to the 14-time European champions, Ancelotti playfully referenced the recent re-election of club president Florentino Pérez, expressing his aspiration to maintain his position for the duration of Pérez’s upcoming four-year term.
“I have a target. We have Florentino [Pérez] here for another four years. He knows me well, and the target is to be here for those four years. We can leave together with all the affection in the world!”
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid head coach
This light-hearted remark serves to underscore the depth of Ancelotti’s rapport with the club’s hierarchy and his unwavering dedication to stewarding Real Madrid through an era of sustained success.
Resilience Amidst Scrutiny and Setbacks
Despite Real Madrid’s current perch atop the LaLiga standings, two points clear of Atletico Madrid and seven ahead of eternal rivals Barcelona, the team has faced its share of adversity this season. Heavy defeats to Barcelona in both league play and the Spanish Supercopa final have invited scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti remains undeterred, emphasizing the unwavering support he receives from all facets of the club. “I feel very loved [here] in every sense, by the fans, by the club,” he affirmed. “And by the media. Sometimes things get exaggerated, but I want to stay objective and follow my path.”
Defying the Odds in Europe’s Elite Competition
Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign has been a rollercoaster ride, punctuated by surprising losses to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool, as well as nail-biting triumphs over Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta. As they prepare to welcome Salzburg to the Bernabéu, direct progression to the knockout stage appears an increasingly remote possibility, with Los Blancos having accrued a mere nine points from their six group stage encounters.
“We don’t have much chance, but the only chance we have is winning the two remaining games. If we have to play the playoff round, we’ll do our best. It’s a demanding calendar, but we’re used to it.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid head coach
Ancelotti’s frank assessment of the challenges that lie ahead serves as a testament to his pragmatism and adaptability. Rather than succumbing to defeatism, the three-time Champions League-winning coach remains focused on maximizing his team’s chances of advancing, even if that entails navigating the precarious waters of the competition’s playoff round.
A Legacy Cemented, a Future Unwritten
As one of only three managers to have hoisted the European Cup/Champions League trophy on four separate occasions, Carlo Ancelotti’s place in football’s pantheon is secure. His second stint at the helm of Real Madrid, which commenced in June 2021, has already yielded a LaLiga title and a record-extending 14th Champions League crown.
While the Italian maestro’s long-term future at the Bernabéu may remain shrouded in uncertainty, his unwavering commitment to the club’s cause and his resolute dismissal of premature exit rumors serve as a reminder of the qualities that have made him one of the most respected figures in the global game.
As Real Madrid navigate the challenges of the present and the uncertainties of the future, one constant remains: the steady hand and unflappable demeanor of Carlo Ancelotti, a man whose legacy is forever intertwined with the illustrious history of the Spanish giants.
