Ancelotti denies plans to leave Real Madrid at end of season

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied claims that he has decided to leave Los Blancos at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Reports from Spanish radio station Onda Cero suggested on Monday that Ancelotti, whose contract runs until 2026, had made up his mind to depart after this campaign. However, speaking at a news conference on Tuesday ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with RB Salzburg, Ancelotti dismissed the speculation.

“No. I want to be very clear. I won’t decide my departure date from this club,” Ancelotti said. “I know the day will come. But when that day will come, I don’t know. I won’t decide. It could be tomorrow, after the next game, in a year, or in five years,” Ancelotti said.

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The Italian coach expressed his ambition to continue working alongside Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who was recently re-elected for another four years.

“I have a target. We have Florentino here for another four years,” Ancelotti added, smiling. “He knows me well, and the target is to be here for those four years. We can leave together with all the affection in the world!”

Real Madrid currently lead La Liga standing with two points ahead of Atletico Madrid and seven points clear of Barcelona. Los Blancos have already claimed two trophies this season: the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Despite their strong position, Real Madrid has faced criticism following heavy defeats to Barcelona, including a 0-4 loss in La Liga in October and a 2-5 defeat in the Spanish Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia.

“I feel very loved [here] in every sense, by the fans, by the club,” Ancelotti said. “And by the media. Sometimes things get exaggerated, but I want to stay objective and follow my path.”

Real Madrid has endured a turbulent Champions League campaign, suffering defeats to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool, while narrowly overcoming Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta. Ancelotti will hope his side can recover their form in Europe as they aim for further success this season.