Carlo Ancelotti`s time as Real Madrid coach could be ending again. Following Real Madrid`s recent Champions League elimination and falling behind Barcelona in La Liga, there are reports suggesting Ancelotti is likely to leave at the end of the season.
He has been linked to the Brazil national team job, so it`s not a complete surprise that talk of his Real Madrid departure is increasing. Despite having won the Champions League with Real Madrid not long ago, at 65 years old, Ancelotti`s return to the club in 2021 was meant to stabilize and improve the team, which he has accomplished.
As Real Madrid looks to the future, aiming to maximize the potential of players like Kylian Mbappe and build a balanced team, it might be time for a new manager to lead the club. Although Ancelotti`s contract runs until 2026, he could leave this summer, which would align with Brazil`s timeline for hiring a new coach.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Brazil needs to appoint a permanent manager soon, especially before important international matches in June. Brazil faces challenges as they aim to qualify for the World Cup, making the timing of this managerial change crucial.
Real Madrid is scheduled to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States starting June 15th, so a decision about Ancelotti`s future might need to be made before then if he is being considered for the Brazil job. Ancelotti, a highly successful coach with five Champions League titles, will have many options, but it seems his time at Madrid might be coming to a close. Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly a leading candidate to replace Ancelotti if Real Madrid decides to make a change.
While this season hasn`t been as successful for Leverkusen as the previous one, Alonso has gained valuable Champions League experience, which is highly valued at Real Madrid. Preparing for the pressure at Real Madrid is difficult, but the Club World Cup could provide a good opportunity for a new manager to adjust during the offseason if a change is made.
