Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed his impending departure to become head coach of the Brazil national team on Tuesday, emphasizing he has “never had a problem” with the club and does not wish to “make a big deal” out of the transition. His comments came after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the 65-year-old’s appointment on Monday, May 12, 2025, though Real Madrid has yet to issue an official statement.
Ancelotti clarified his timeline, stating his tenure with Brazil will commence on May 26, 2025, the day after Real Madrid’s final La Liga match of the current season against Real Sociedad on May 25.
“If I didn’t have the press conference today, it would be fantastic. There are things I can’t explain right now because I’m at Madrid and I want to respect the shirt,” Ancelotti said. “From 26 May onwards, I’ll be Brazil’s coach. It’s a very important challenge, but I want to finish the final stretch of this fantastic adventure here well.”
Regarding the lack of an official announcement from his current club, he added, “Madrid will release a statement whenever it wants. There is no problem whatsoever and they’ll do it when they deem it appropriate.”
The highly successful Italian manager, who has guided Real Madrid to 15 trophies over two spells, including three Champions League titles, expressed deep affection for the club. “I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real. It’s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end,” he reflected. “I couldn’t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I’m not making a big deal out of it. A thousand thanks to this club… I’ll always be a Madrid fan. It’s the end of an era. Spectacular.”
Looking back at his recent stint, Ancelotti remarked, “The day I arrived [for the second time], if they told me I’d win 11 titles in four years, I’d sign it with my own blood. It’s been an unforgettable time.”
Despite these past triumphs, Real Madrid are set to finish the 2024-25 campaign without silverware. They exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals, lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, and currently trail Hansi Flick’s Barcelona by seven points in La Liga with three matches remaining.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, is widely tipped to succeed Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.