Carlo Ancelotti (65) is set to part ways with Real Madrid. The next destination is likely to be the Brazilian national team, the country with the most championships in the world.
Brazilian media 'TNT Sports Brazil' and Spanish 'Relevo' reported on the 28th (Korea time) that "Ancelotti has unofficially said goodbye to some of the Real Madrid squad. He is ready to join the Brazilian national team after the La Liga season ends."
According to reports, Ancelotti and his son, chief coach Davide Ancelotti, recently hinted to players in private that they would leave the team after the season ends. There has yet to be an official announcement from the club, but internally the atmosphere is one of acceptance regarding the separation.
Ancelotti is expected not to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States in June. Real Madrid plans to play their first match against Al Hilal on June 18, but Ancelotti is reportedly preparing for the Brazilian national team’s A-match call-up (against Paraguay and Ecuador in June).
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is said to have presented Ancelotti with conditions to extend his contract, originally set to last until the 2026 North American World Cup, to the 2030 World Cup. 'Relevo' reported that "CBF offered Ancelotti a high salary comparable to what he receives at Real Madrid." A senior CBF official is said to have attended the Copa del Rey final held in Seville this week to finalize the negotiations.
Ancelotti is positive about taking charge of the Brazilian national team. However, he believes it is important to properly finalize his goodbye to Real Madrid. A final meeting with club president Florentino Pérez is scheduled, and an official conclusion is expected soon.
Real Madrid has marked current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as a candidate for the next head coach.
Real Madrid has not met expectations this season. They lost 2-3 to FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, failed to win La Liga, and were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. Especially after the loss to Barcelona, Ancelotti displayed a calm and lethargic demeanor, unlike his usual self, and did not intervene significantly despite the players' intense protests.
Brazil has not reached the World Cup peak since 2002. Out of the last five World Cups, they only advanced to the semifinals in 2014. The CBF expects Ancelotti's experience and leadership to be the key to rebuilding the stagnant national team.
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