Live from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to step down as Madrid coach after failed backing from the board. He said, “My journey with Real Madrid ends here, and it’s a decision I take with a heavy heart. It’s impossible to thrive without the full backing of the board or the time needed to build something meaningful. no transfer window, yet instant results were demanded—these things take time. I’ve given my all in these years, and I’ve cherished every moment of trying to instill my vision into this team. But now, I believe it’s time for the right person to take this project forward. Thank you to everyone who supported me; it’s been an honor.
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has attributed the team’s recent slump to a lack of cohesion and unity among the players, rather than blaming individual players like Vinícius Júnior for their disappointing performances. Vinícius has faced criticism from fans and pundits alike, particularly after being whistled by some supporters during the team’s LaLiga defeat to Valencia last weekend. He also struggled to make an impact in Madrid’s 3-0 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg loss at Arsenal on Tuesday.
The Brazil international has scored just three goals for Madrid in all competitions over the last two months, as the team has fallen behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race. Furthermore, they now face a daunting task in Wednesday’s second leg against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu, where they will need to mount a significant comeback to progress to the next round.
When asked to explain Vinícius and Rodrygo’s lack of goals, Ancelotti said that it’s difficult to pinpoint a single reason. However, he emphasized that the team has experienced a general slump over the last week, not just in terms of their attacking efficiency but also defensively. Ancelotti highlighted the importance of defensive solidity, particularly in moments when the forwards are not scoring as freely as they usually do.
Despite the criticism faced by some of the team’s star players, Ancelotti remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back. He also addressed questions about his own future beyond this summer, stating that his contract with the club runs until 2026 and that he shouldn’t have to discuss his future at this point.
Regarding the team’s performance against Arsenal, Ancelotti acknowledged that the statistics were clear: Real Madrid ran less than their opponents, which affected their overall performance. However, he also pointed out that total distance covered is not the only metric that matters, and that the team has won championships in the past despite running less than their opponents.
Ancelotti confirmed that midfielder Dani Ceballos, who had become an important member of the team before suffering a hamstring injury in February, was fit to face Alavés in LaLiga on Sunday. The team’s upcoming match against Alavés will be a crucial test for Real Madrid, as they look to regain their momentum and confidence ahead of the second leg against Arsenal.