Carlo Ancelotti (65) head coach's move to Brazil has fallen through.
Spain's 'Marca' reported on the 29th (Korean time) that "Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had signed a contract. However, the final contract ultimately fell through." The report continued, "The key issue was the timing of his joining. Ancelotti informed the CBF that he could join in August rather than June."
Brazilian media 'TNT Sports Brazil' and Spain's 'Relevo' reported on the 28th that "Ancelotti informally said goodbye to some members of the Real Madrid squad. He has prepared to join the Brazilian national team after the La Liga season ends."
According to reports, Ancelotti and his son, chief coach Davide Ancelotti, have recently hinted to players in private that they would leave the team after the season ends. There has been no official announcement from the club yet, but internally, a separation is already a foregone conclusion.
Ancelotti is not expected to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in June. Real Madrid is scheduled 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) reportedly proposed extending Ancelotti's contract, which was set to last until the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, to the 2030 World Cup. 'Relevo' reported that "CBF offered Ancelotti a salary level equivalent to what he receives at Real Madrid." A senior CBF official reportedly 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 he must properly bid farewell to Real Madrid. He is scheduled for a final meeting with club president Florentino Perez, and a formal conclusion is expected soon.
Real Madrid has identified current Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as a candidate for the next head coach.
Real Madrid has not lived up to expectations this season. They lost 3-2 to FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final and failed to win La Liga, as well as being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. Following the defeat to Barcelona, Ancelotti displayed a calm and lethargic demeanor, unlike usual. He did not intervene much despite intense complaints from the players.
Brazil has not reached the World Cup summit since 2002. They only advanced to the semifinals once among the last five World Cups, which was in 2014. The CBF expects Ancelotti's experience and leadership to be key in rebuilding the stagnant national team.
Marca reported that "CBF seemed to have gone to London on the 28th to finalize negotiations with Ancelotti. However, at the last minute, head coach Ancelotti rejected it. He directly expressed his refusal to the CBF," adding, "The issue was the timing of joining. CBF wanted a June joining, but Ancelotti stated that he could only join in August."
This media outlet emphasized that "Depending on the situation, Ancelotti could lead the club World Cup in June at Real. CBF is surprised that everything was agreed upon." They continued, "Ultimately, with Ancelotti's move to Brazil falling through, it appears highly likely he will head to Saudi Arabia. A substantial salary is waiting for him."
[OSEN]