New Delhi: Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most decorated managers, and one of the best managers in Los Blancos history has reportedly decided to step down as Real Madrid’s head coach at the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign. According to Spanish radio station Noche on Onda Cero, the 65-year-old Italian tactician has communicated his decision to leave Los Blancos despite his contract running until 2026.
Ancelotti, who renewed his deal in December 2023 amidst heavy interest from the Brazilian Football Confederation, is said to be happy at Real Madrid but determined to move on. His decision appears to be final and will not be swayed by the club’s performances in the remaining months of the season. The announcement comes as a surprise given Ancelotti’s success at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Last month, the Italian cemented his legacy as arguably the club’s greatest manager by clinching his 15th trophy with the team after their triumph in the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar. Yet, it seems the veteran coach is seeking a new challenge, with reports suggesting he will pursue a national team role post-Madrid. Ancelotti’s second stint at Real Madrid has been nothing short of historic.
🚨 Carlo Ancelotti has decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. 👋🇮🇹
(Source: @OndaCero_es) pic.twitter.com/igk3R6ov9F
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 20, 2025
The Italian has guided the club to numerous trophies, including La Liga titles, Champions League triumphs, and other domestic and international honors. His leadership has brought stability and continuity to a team known for its high expectations and managerial turnover. He guided the club to yet another league and UEFA Champions League double last season which led the club being named the Men’s Club of the Year as Carlo Ancelotti was named Manager of the Year at last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
However, recent months have been challenging for both the manager and the club. A series of poor results in November and December, including defeats to AC Milan, Liverpool, and Athletic Club, as well as two heavy Clásico losses to Barcelona in the league and the Spanish Super Cup, have placed him under intense scrutiny. Despite this, Ancelotti has consistently maintained his commitment to fulfilling his contract.
In December, he expressed his satisfaction with the role, stating, “For me, it’s an honor and a pleasure to coach Real Madrid… I’m happy here and I don’t think about my future.” However, the reports from Onda Cero indicate that the Italian has now taken the initiative to end his tenure at the Bernabéu. If he does decide to leave at the end of the season, that would bring the curtains on a legendary Real Madrid career for the Italian, ending a seven year association with the Madrid based club, split across two years.
Potential Carlo Ancelotti replacements
🚨 JUST IN: Xabi Alonso is now the FAVORITE to be Real Madrid’s coach next season, as Ancelotti has decided to LEAVE this summer. @OndaCero_es pic.twitter.com/eEDzj9BPeS
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 20, 2025
As Ancelotti prepares to step down, speculation about his successor has already begun. Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him. Alonso made headlines by leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title last season and has earned widespread acclaim for his tactical acumen and leadership skills. He has long been rumored to be the first choice for Real Madrid to replace his former manager in Spain.
The 42-year-old Spaniard is seen as an ideal candidate to bring a fresh perspective while continuing the club’s tradition of excellence. Alonso’s deep understanding of Real Madrid’s culture, coupled with his recent managerial success, makes him the preferred choice for the job. However, he isn’t the only former Real Madrid player who could be trusted to takeover from the legendary manager.
Current Real Madrid Castilla coach and iconic Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez is another name is doing the rounds to replace Ancelotti. Real Madrid have often promoted their Castilla managers to the first team and Raul is one that is doing well for the club’s reserve side. His loyalty and commitment could be rewarded with one of the biggest managerial jobs in the world, especially given the success former manager Zinedine Zidane gained following his promotion from Real Madrid Castilla.
The Italian manager had come under fire following heave El Classico defeats this season but has managed to guide Los Blancos to the top of the table once again, having played through more than half way through the season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
