Italian tactician, Carlo Ancelotti, has reportedly decided to resign from his position as Real Madrid manager at the end of the 2024/25 season, according to the Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
Despite renewing his contract in December 2023 amid links to the Brazilian national team, Ancelotti, 65, has opted to step away a year before his deal’s expiration in 2026. The decision comes after a decorated tenure, where he became the most successful manager in Real Madrid’s history, clinching two UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga trophies, a Copa del Rey, two UEFA Super Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup, among others.
While the legendary coach is reportedly content and enthusiastic about his current role, he believes the time has come to conclude his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, regardless of the season’s outcome. His decision follows a challenging campaign marred by inconsistent performances and disappointing results in two El Clasico matches.
Ancelotti has no plans to retire and is said to be considering opportunities in another country. Should he leave, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him, with his familiarity with the club making him an attractive candidate for the Real Madrid hierarchy.
The impending departure of Ancelotti, who returned to Madrid in 2021 after a previous Champions League-winning stint in 2014, raises questions about the club’s next steps as they prepare for a new era.
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