Carlo Ancelotti took his seat at Real Madrid’s training ground and faced the cameras with an air of calm. Rumors had swirled for weeks that he would leave at the end of the season, perhaps heading to coach Brazil or simply stepping away from the pressures of Europe’s biggest stage. He didn’t flinch. He spoke with clarity and conviction, making it clear that he’s not the one who decides when he exits.
He acknowledged that any coach has an expiration date, no matter how successful. Then he smiled as if to underscore the point that he can’t control every rumor. “No, no. I want to be very clear: the date of departure from this club is never going to be decided by me, never in my life,” he said. “Someday that time will come, but I don’t know when it will be. It’s not for me to decide.”
Ancelotti’s one eye on the future
Ancelotti revealed that he hopes to match the tenure of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, whose term runs for four more years. “It could be tomorrow, in a few games, a year, five years,” he noted. “Florentino will be here for four more years and my goal is to reach Florentino’s four years. And that way we can say goodbye together.” In other words, he wants to guide the club for as long as he’s welcome, and leave only when told his time is up.
The Italian manager has endured intense speculation throughout his career, but the current chatter has grown louder amid debates about Real Madrid’s form. A handful of inconsistent results in the Champions League group stage put pressure on him. Still, he continues to emphasize that defensive lapses can be fixed, and that the team remains highly competitive.
The possibility of Xabi Alonso stepping in as a successor has also fueled the gossip. Alonso, busy with Bayer Leverkusen, has acknowledged the affection he still holds for Madrid but insists he’s focused on his current role. Despite the noise, Ancelotti exudes a calm confidence, as if media frenzy is simply part of the job.
Madrid’s supporters have reason to believe in him. He’s one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history. Fans and pundits may question how long he will stay, yet Ancelotti refuses to set a deadline. “It could be tomorrow or in a few years,” he repeated, almost amused by the uncertainty.
For now, he’s staying. And for a manager who has lifted every trophy worth winning, that’s all he needs to say.
