Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged his tenure at the Bernabéu could end following Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, admitting “there’s no problem” if the club decides to replace him.
The Italian tactician’s comments came after a 2-1 home defeat (5-1 aggregate) marked Los Blancos’ 12th loss this season – a stark contrast to last campaign’s mere two defeats. When questioned about his future, the 65-year-old remained philosophical:
“It could be this year or next when my contract expires. The day I leave, I can only thank the club – whether tomorrow, in 10 days, a month or a year,” Ancelotti told reporters post-match.
The veteran coach, whose current deal runs through 2026, faces mounting pressure as Madrid reportedly consider Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp as potential successors. Despite the European disappointment, Ancelotti emphasized his squad remains competitive in three other competitions:
- La Liga (currently 2nd, 5 points behind leaders Barcelona with game in hand)
- Copa del Rey (final vs Athletic Bilbao on May 24)
- FIFA Club World Cup (July 2025 in USA)
“We gave everything in attitude but Arsenal defended brilliantly,” Ancelotti analyzed. “We lacked creativity against their compact system despite better intensity.”
The result marks Arsenal’s first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009, while Madrid’s earliest exit since 2020 raises questions about their aging squad. Club president Florentino Pérez is expected to convene an emergency board meeting this week to evaluate the season’s trajectory.
Ancelotti, who returned for a second Madrid stint in 2021, previously delivered a La Liga-Champions League double in 2022. His pragmatic response suggests awareness of Madrid’s notorious managerial volatility, having been dismissed in 2015 despite winning the Decima just months earlier.
As the Spanish giants regroup, all eyes turn to their Saturday Clásico against Barcelona – a match that could now carry extra significance for Ancelotti’s future.
