“I think he wanted me to keep going. The president has always shown kindness to me and continues to do so. We must look ahead. The club stays calm and we expect to be here next season. We will honor the contract.” Carlo Ancelotti spoke ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Cadiz this Friday. The mood around the team feels fragile about a future that remains tightly linked to ongoing success in the Champions League.
A straightforward statement perhaps, yet the Italian manager has recently admitted discomfort about the endless chatter surrounding his position at the Bernabéu. After the win at Camp Nou, the talk intensified; he sent warm greetings to Brazil while preparing for his team’s Champions League clash against Chelsea.
I’m tired of being appreciated
The clarity in Ancelotti’s voice has rarely sounded so blunt. He appears exhausted by constant underestimation and by the singling out of praise only when it coincides with results. Florentino Pérez has often been praised for his leadership in personnel matters, yet Ancelotti’s message to those who underestimate his contribution was clear: the squad is immensely capable, and if they lift the Cup, the club will have claimed every major title available within two years. Others may fail to earn such trophies over their entire careers.
Pedja Mijatović hinted at this feeling, suggesting Ancelotti’s impact would be remembered as a turning point. If the Kings Cup arrives within two years, Ancelotti would be seen as having achieved everything, and his frustration could be read as anger or a hint at hidden knowledge. It’s hard to tell which, but the tension is evident.
Pochettino and Real Madrid
It’s known that Ancelotti is aware of the shifting conversations surrounding Mauricio Pochettino, who has halted talks with Chelsea and Tottenham and maintains contact with Florentino Pérez. Pérez has long desired to bring Pochettino to Madrid, even as Ancelotti remains under consideration. The coach’s current deal runs for one more year beyond 2024, and there is no public commitment from the club about extending it. Meanwhile, the possibility of Brazil beckons for Ancelotti, though he has signaled he will not negotiate until the season ends. The timing of any decision remains the central issue.
There has been much debate about the future, but the club has shown no clear stance. The question is who will move first in this delicate game of timing and position. The tension is not simply about the next match; it is about long-term strategy and leadership on the bench at Madrid.
He remains focused on the present and on guiding the team through a season that could redefine his legacy. The manager has suggested that even if the trophy proves elusive, the club’s direction will still be in the hands of those who control the project. For Madrid, the bigger question is how to balance respect for past achievements with a realistic path to future glory.
Not a good word, not a bad act
Florentino Pérez has a reputation for measured silence, a strategy that can either uplift or unsettle. He praises a manager when trophies arrive and stays quiet when doubt grows, a dynamic that fans and pundits alike try to interpret. Ancelotti has spoken publicly about this dynamic, warning against misreading polite restraint as weakness. He points to the leadership style he learned from Pérez, a style that has kept the club competitive through many seasons. In his reflections, Ancelotti cited his own book, Calm Leadership, where he notes the delicate balance between praise and pressure and the constant need to keep a squad united under changing circumstances.
Basque derby for Europe and Valencia-Seville for permanence
Speaking up in defense of the coach, Mijatović argued that Real Madrid is a club that does not dwell on the past. The season is unfolding with depth and complexity, yet Ancelotti remains highly regarded for his ability to connect with players and fans alike. The team’s respect for his leadership endures, even as some observers question whether it is time for a change in direction. He has earned admiration for his steady presence and strategic acumen, attributes that have earned him a place among Madrid’s most trusted figures.
The locker room has shown a coach who empathizes with the players and the crowd more than with the media chatter. Ancelotti’s status within the club remains strong, even as external voices speculate about upcoming moves. The decision to stay or depart could hinge on timing and the willingness of the club to back him through a critical period. Madrid’s leadership will need to weigh both loyalty and ambition as they navigate this uncertain moment.
In the end, Carlos Ancelotti remains committed to his vision for Madrid. He understands the delicate balance of club politics and sporting ambition. If the trophy comes, he will celebrate a remarkable achievement in just two years. If not, the coach is prepared to face the consequences with the dignity that has long defined his career. Madrid’s future in the immediate term may hinge on a single decision, but the broader narrative will continue to center on the manager who has kept the season alive through composure, clarity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.