Ancelotti ready for Real Madrid exit after Champions League setback

Thursday 17 April 2025 - 10:35

By: Zahouani Ilham

Ancelotti ready for Real Madrid exit after Champions League setback

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his indifference to the possibility of leaving Real Madrid following the team’s elimination from the Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal. The Italian coach appeared resigned to the idea that the club might be planning to replace him.

Real Madrid fell 2-1 at home, with Arsenal advancing to the semifinals with a 5-1 aggregate victory. This latest loss marked the 12th defeat for the Spanish club this season an alarming contrast to the previous campaign, where they only lost twice.

Ancelotti, who returned to manage Madrid in 2021 after a first stint from 2013 to 2015, addressed the situation by saying, “It’s possible the club will decide to make a change, whether this year or when my contract ends next year. That’s not a problem.” Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points with seven La Liga matches remaining.

The 65-year-old emphasized his gratitude to the club, regardless of when his departure might occur. “It could be tomorrow, in ten days, a month, or a year. Whether my contract ends or not, it doesn’t matter I can only thank the club,” he said. Under his leadership, Real Madrid has secured two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.

Recent rumors have linked the club with potential successors such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

Despite the setback, Ancelotti reminded that the team is still competing for titles in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Reflecting on the loss to Arsenal, he admitted: “The team gave everything in terms of attitude, but it wasn’t enough. Arsenal defended very well and we struggled to find space. We had better intensity, but that didn’t make the difference.”