Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid after their final La Liga game of the season and take charge of Brazil, according to widespread reports this afternoon.
The news was widely expected with Madrid seemingly heading towards a trophyless season following yesterday’s 4-3 Clasico defeat to Barcelona.
Barca, who also beat Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, are now seven points clear with just three games remaining. Ancelotti was also powerless to prevent the title holders surrender their crown to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Impressive Legacy
The 64-year-old Italian will leave the Santiago Bernabeu as one of the club’s most successful managers having led them to 15 major trophies – including three Champions League crowns.
This season has been a major disappointment, however. The signing of Kylian Mbappe last summer was supposed to complete an already impressive squad and help them maintain the dominance over Barcelona that they enjoyed in 2023-24.
However, Barca have got stronger with the likes of Lamine Yamal growing in prominence while things haven’t clicked the way Ancelotti would’ve wanted in the capital. They have been riddled with injuries in defence – Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao both suffering season-ending injuries early on – while the midfield needed a revamp due to Toni Kroos’ retirement and Luka Modric’s advancing years.
Madrid have looked disjointed at regular intervals and Barcelona have reclaimed superiority.
Xabi Alonso to replace Ancelotti
Whether Madrid can wrestle it back once again will fall on the shoulders of Xabi Alonso. The former Los Blancos midfielder has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season and it’s an open secret Madrid will be his next destination.
As for Ancelotti, his task will be to turn Brazil into World Cup contenders in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.
He will start work with the Selecao immediately after leaving Spain, meaning he will be in charge for the June qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Ancelotti replaces Dorival Junior, who was sacked in March.
“Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to Brazil is more than a strategic move,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF.
“It is a statement to the world that we are determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium. He is the greatest coach in history and now he is leading the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters for Brazilian football.”
