Carlo Ancelotti's future with Real Madrid hangs in the balance following a narrow defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The match, held at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, ended with a dramatic 3-2 scoreline, leaving the Italian manager under intense scrutiny as the season progresses.
In a post-match press conference, Ancelotti was asked whether winning the Copa del Rey would have secured his position at the club. His response was telling: "I can continue, I can leave, but that will be a matter for the coming weeks, not today." This statement reflects the uncertainty surrounding his tenure as he faces mounting pressure due to the team's inconsistent performance throughout the season.
Despite having clinched the Intercontinental Cup earlier in the season, Real Madrid's campaign has been marred by setbacks. The club was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and currently finds itself trailing four points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, with only five matches remaining. The prospect of finishing the season without a major title has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Adding to the speculation about his future, Ancelotti has been linked with the Brazilian national team, following the dismissal of Dorival Júnior after a dismal 4-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has long viewed Ancelotti as a prime candidate for the role, and discussions have reportedly resumed regarding his potential appointment. However, Ancelotti emphasized that any decision about leaving Real Madrid would ultimately be up to club president Florentino Pérez.
As the clock ticks down on the LaLiga season, Ancelotti's immediate focus remains on the upcoming matches, particularly a crucial encounter against Celta de Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, April 27, 2025. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "We have to keep pushing. The next game is vital for us to stay in the title race. We need to win and hope for a slip-up from Barcelona."
In the wake of the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti reflected on the match itself, noting that while the team performed well, they ultimately fell short. "It’s a shame we couldn’t lift the trophy, but there’s nothing to complain about. The first half was difficult for us, but we played much better in the second half. If we had won, it wouldn’t have been an upset. We were closer to winning than our opponents in the second half," he remarked.
With the stakes higher than ever, Ancelotti's comments suggest a man who is acutely aware of the pressures of top-flight football. His experience as a manager and his prior successes lend him credibility, but the current situation at Real Madrid is precarious. Should the team fail to secure a title this season, the likelihood of a managerial change could increase significantly.
In the meantime, speculation continues to swirl regarding potential successors should Ancelotti depart. Names such as Xabi Alonso and Jürgen Klopp have emerged as potential candidates to take over the reins at Real Madrid, highlighting the club's readiness to explore new coaching options if necessary.
As the season nears its conclusion, the focus will undoubtedly remain on Ancelotti and the decisions that lie ahead. With the Celta de Vigo match looming, the outcome could play a pivotal role in determining both the immediate future of the club and the managerial landscape in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Carlo Ancelotti's situation is emblematic of the high stakes and intense scrutiny that come with managing one of the world's most prestigious football clubs. As the days unfold, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this saga develops and what it ultimately means for Ancelotti's legacy at Real Madrid.
