Carlo Ancelotti says he has “never had a problem” with Real Madrid and is not looking to “make a big deal” out of his upcoming departure, as the legendary manager prepares to take over as head coach of the Brazil national team.
The 65-year-old Italian will officially begin his tenure with the five-time world champions on 26 May, a day after Real Madrid conclude their La Liga campaign against Real Sociedad. Although his appointment was confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday, Real Madrid have yet to release an official statement.
Addressing the media ahead of his final few matches in charge, Ancelotti expressed gratitude and pride in his time with Los Blancos, insisting that the parting is amicable and inevitable.
“If I didn’t have the press conference today, it would be fantastic,” he joked. “There are things I can’t explain right now because I’m at Madrid and I want to respect the shirt. From 26 May onwards, I’ll be Brazil’s coach. It’s a very important challenge, but I want to finish the final stretch of this fantastic adventure here well.”
Ancelotti was quick to dismiss speculation of tension between himself and the club hierarchy: “I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real. It’s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end.”
He continued, “I couldn’t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I’m not making a big deal out of it. A thousand thanks to this club. And we’ll carry on. I’ll always be a Madrid fan.”
Ancelotti’s second spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu has seen him claim 11 trophies in just four years, contributing to a total of 15 during his combined time with the club. His recent successes include a Champions League and La Liga double in 2023–24.
Reflecting on his achievements, the veteran manager remarked: “The day I arrived [for the second time], if they told me I’d win 11 titles in four years, I’d sign it with my own blood. It’s been an unforgettable time.”
However, this season has not met Real Madrid’s usual high standards. The club were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, fell to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and currently sit seven points behind their rivals in the league, now led by Hansi Flick.
Despite the underwhelming end to his tenure in terms of silverware, Ancelotti remains philosophical. “Football is like life; something begins and ends,” he said. “I’ve had a great time. We’ve won a lot, and it will be a memory for life.”
With his Real Madrid chapter closing, attention now turns to his successor. Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid and Spain midfielder, is widely tipped to step into the Bernabéu hot seat. The club is reportedly keen to have him in place before the expanded FIFA Club World Cup begins later this year.
On Madrid’s delay in issuing a statement about his exit, Ancelotti remained unfazed: “Madrid will release a statement whenever it wants. There is no problem whatsoever and they’ll do it when they deem it appropriate.”
Ancelotti’s calm and composed departure stands in contrast to the turbulence often associated with managerial exits at Real Madrid. His steady hand and silverware-laden tenure have left a lasting legacy.
Now, as he prepares to take on the challenge of restoring Brazil to global dominance—following their World Cup struggles in recent years—Ancelotti is ready to begin a new chapter. But for both him and Madridistas, the memories forged over two glittering spells will endure long after he departs.
