Carlo Ancelotti downplayed speculation about his future at Real Madrid ahead of Sunday’s clash with Barcelona. Xabi Alonso’s impending departure from Bayer Leverkusen has fueled rumors that he’s poised to succeed Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ancelotti acknowledged Alonso’s impressive work at Leverkusen, saying, “He did a fantastic job there. He has all doors open to him because he’s proven to be one of the best coaches in the world.”
The Italian manager was quizzed about whether his passion for the club was waning. He responded, “It doesn’t end with this club. It continues and will always continue. There’s nothing more to add.” Ancelotti’s affection for Real Madrid runs deep, much like his love for AC Milan, another club he’s managed.
Ancelotti’s Future on the Backburner
Ancelotti insisted that speculation about his future wouldn’t affect the team’s preparation for the Barcelona match. “It’s not complicated to prepare for this kind of game. You don’t need to motivate them. What happened around us this week didn’t affect us. There’s no problem.” The two teams are separated by four points, with Real Madrid trailing Barcelona in the standings.
In a statement that was widely reported, Ancelotti said, “My honeymoon with Real Madrid will last until the last day of my life.” This sentiment was met with praise from fans and the media, with many taking to social media to express their support for the manager.
🤍 El amor eterno de Ancelotti al conjunto blanco:
“Mi luna de miel con el Real Madrid va a ser hasta el último día de mi vida” pic.twitter.com/Jxnqp5GEp0
— MARCA (@marca) May 10, 2025