Ancelotti really wants to stay at Real
Lars Foster
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
The latest statements from Real's head coach Carlo Ancelotti about his desire to stay at Real amid interest from other clubs and the search for his successor might be perceived as bluffing. But the Italian doesn't operate that way.
Details: As reported by The Athletic, Ancelotti genuinely wants to remain at the helm of Real, speaking sincerely with the press on this topic. At the same time, no one in the Italian's entourage has been told he might be replaced next summer, potentially by Bayer's head coach Xabi Alonso. However, they are aware of the activity surrounding the Spaniard.
Real's president Florentino Perez follows an unwritten rule: only dismissing a coach in the absence of a victory in the Champions League or La Liga. This rule was only broken in 2023 when the same Ancelotti won only the Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey from significant trophies, but the Italian compensated by winning in the league and on the European stage.
If the Italian wins either the league or the Champions League again this season, his dismissal from Real in the summer “seems unthinkable.”
Reminder: Besides Alonso, the media have also named Bournemouth's head coach Andoni Iraola as a potential successor to Ancelotti.
