Carlo Ancelotti believes he will remain in charge of Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti feels he will remain in charge of the club despite mounting reports stating he will be replaced by Napoli coach Rafa Benitez shortly after the end of the season.

According to numerous reports, Ancelotti will take charge of his final match for Real Madrid tomorrow against Getafe before a scheduled meeting with club president Florentino Perez, where it is expected that the manager’s contract will be terminated.

Perez is reportedly sounding out possible replacements for Ancelotti, with Napoli coach Rafa Benitez tipped to be his successor.

Madrid are also expected to have a complete overhaul of their medical staff after a season riddled with injury problems.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti said he expected to remain in charge of Madrid and downplayed the growing reports of his dismissal.

“My feeling is that I am going to continue,” Ancelotti said. “The club are taking stock now, it’s normal.

“I still haven’t spoken to the club and the club hasn’t spoken to me. On Sunday or Monday we’ll get together and see what my future and the future of the club is.

“If I stay, fantastic, because that’s what I want. And if I don’t then I’ll have the memory of the two years I spent here.

“I have always had a good relationship with the President and it will continue that way.”

At the conclusion of what could be his final press conference as Real Madrid manager, Ancelotti was roundly applauded by the journalists assembled in the media room.

The Italian tactician has one year remaining on his current deal with the club.

Ancelotti assumed control of Real Madrid in June 2013 and led the team through the best calendar year in club history. In 2014, his players won the Copa del Rey, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

However, the second half of this season has seen the team knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid, crash out of the Champions League at the hands of Juventus while being trumped by Barcelona to the La Liga title.

Real Madrid have been plagued by key injuries, poor form and player/fan unrest since the turn of the New Year and it appears Carlo Ancelotti is going to take the hit for the team’s collapse; even though some feel club president Florentino Perez should share the blame for the club’s failure.