Carlo Ancelotti‘s future as manager of Real Madrid is reportedly in jeopardy following their Champions League quarterfinal elimination against Arsenal. According to Sky Sports, Ancelotti is “expected to leave the team after the Copa del Rey final on April 26th.” Simultaneously, Brazil has reportedly sent an emissary to Spain to try and convince the Italian strategist to take over their national team.
Real Madrid‘s primary goal this season was the Champions League, but that dream was shattered after failing to overcome a 0-3 first-leg deficit against Arsenal in England. The Madrid side was far from their best and lost again to Mikel Arteta’s team at the Santiago Bernabéu (2-1).
This has had a profound impact on an institution that had invested heavily to return to the top of the European soccer world. As a result, Ancelotti could be on the move, despite recently referencing his contract, which expires in mid-2026.
Barcelona leads Madrid by 4 points in the Spanish league, with seven games remaining, including a match in Catalonia. But, more importantly, they will contest the Copa del Rey final on April 26th at the Olympic Stadium in Seville. That game could symbolize the final farewell for the coach who has already won 15 titles with Real Madrid (9 of them international).
Brazil intensifies pursuit of Ancelotti
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) has redoubled its efforts to ensure that Ancelotti takes over as coach of the Canarinha before the next FIFA international break in June.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, the latest strategy includes the participation of Diego Fernandes, a Brazilian businessman with close ties in the soccer world, who was seen in a VIP box at the Santiago Bernabéu during the Real Madrid vs. Arsenal match. This move underscores Brazil’s determination to close a deal with the Italian coach after several failed attempts.
According to reports, conversations between the CBF and Ancelotti’s representatives are being conducted discreetly. The main goal is for the coach to be available to lead the World Cup qualifying matches that Brazil will play in June against Ecuador and Paraguay. These matches are crucial for the team, which currently sits fourth in their group and does not have guaranteed qualification. The recent 4-1 defeat to Argentina has put additional pressure on the CBF, which is seeking a significant change to revitalize the team.
see also
Arsenal proves to be Carlo Ancelotti’s kryptonite: When did Real Madrid last fall to Premier League club as UEFA Champions League title holder?
Key intermediary involved
Although not part of the CBF, businessman Diego Fernandes has been identified as a key figure in this process due to his connections with Brazilian officials and players. Fernandes has already attended other matches at the Bernabéu, reinforcing the hypothesis that he is acting as an intermediary in negotiations with Ancelotti’s camp. The CBF believes that his participation could be decisive in convincing the Italian coach to accept the challenge of leading the Brazilian national team.
see also
Key star down, Real Madrid out: Kylian Mbappe’s injury adds salt to UEFA Champions League disaster – What happened and how serious is it?
Ancelotti publicly denied in March having had direct contact with the CBF. However, conversations have been managed through the coach’s representatives, suggesting that negotiations are progressing indirectly. According to the media, the Brazilian emissaries are confident that this time the negotiations could come to fruition, marking a turning point in the CBF’s attempts to sign the coach.
Potential replacements for Ancelotti at Real Madrid
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is in the final stretch of the season, facing an uncertain outlook regarding the future of their bench. Although Ancelotti has a contract with the club until 2024, the name of Xabi Alonso has begun to gain strength as a possible successor if the Italian coach decides to accept the offer from the Brazilian national team or if the club opts for a change of direction.
see also
Rumors linking him to Real Madrid: The only two clubs Jurgen Klopp would consider leaving Red Bull for
He is not the only candidate in case Ancelotti’s departure materializes, as another heavyweight like German Jürgen Klopp, current global soccer director of Red Bull, is also on the list, according to Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte. According to the publication, Klopp is reportedly experiencing a moment of dissatisfaction in his current position within the Austrian multinational, where he officially took over his duties on January 1, 2025.
His job consists of supervising the company’s international network of soccer clubs, supporting strategic planning, but without getting involved in the daily operations of the teams. However, sources close to the coach have indicated that Klopp would only consider leaving his role at Red Bull for two specific destinations: the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid.
