Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that he is unhappy with Brazil for announcing his appointment as their new head coach before the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Brazil have confirmed that Ancelotti will officially become their new manager on May 26, with the 2024-25 La Liga campaign drawing a close on May 25, but Real Madrid are yet to release their own statement.
Los Blancos are still involved in a fight for the La Liga title, although they need to beat Mallorca on Wednesday night to keep their slim hopes of winning the championship alive.
Barcelona will also have a chance to win the title on Thursday night, when they take on Espanyol, before Real Madrid conclude their campaign with fixtures against Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
Ancelotti was frustrated that he had to field questions on his new role during his press conference to preview the Mallorca match considering the size of the contest for a Los Blancos outfit that were beaten 4-3 by Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday.
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Ancelotti will officially become Brazil head coach on May 26
"If I didn't have this news conference today it would have been a fantastic day. But in this news conference I have to explain things that I don't want to explain," Ancelotti told reporters. "Until the 25th, I wear the Real Madrid shirt, which I respect very much.
"Real Madrid will release the statement when they want. There's no problem whatsoever. They'll do it at the appropriate time for Real Madrid and there's nothing further to add.
"Football, as in life, is an adventure that begins and ends. I always had in mind that one day it will come to an end. It's the end of a very nice period. I've had a great time. But as in all things in life, there is a moment like that.
"If life comes to an end, imagine if a period of a football team can come to an end. I've had a good time, I want to end it well. On the 26th I will talk about another challenge. I never had a problem with the club and I never will.
"It is a club that I have in my heart and I will have it too when this adventure is over. It ends after a few years where we have won many titles. With a fantastic memory that will stay with us for life.
"I never felt that Madrid didn't want me. Madrid wants me. Also if I go to Brazil on the 25th. Madrid always loves me. They have always shown me affection. I couldn't be coach of Madrid all my life. This is over because of many things.
"Maybe the club needs a new impulse. I don't make a drama out of it. A thousand thanks to this club. And we will continue. I will be of Madrid all my life. It's a period that is coming to an end. It's spectacular. I never thought I could coach Madrid for six years and it's happened."
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Ancelotti "very fond" of Alonso
Xabi Alonso, who is leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the Bundesliga season, is the red-hot favourite to replace Ancelotti, with the Spaniard expected to be in charge for the Club World Cup.
When asked about Alonso, Ancelotti said: I'm very fond of him. I don't have any advice, because he has all the tools to be a great coach in the future."
Alonso is set to take over a Real Madrid side that have one trophy in the bag this season, winning the UEFA Super Cup in August, but they have fallen short in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid also need Barcelona to collapse in the latter stages of the 2024-25 La Liga season to stand a chance of retaining the title.
As for Brazil, their first game with Ancelotti at the helm will come against Ecuador on June 5, and the national side will enter that contest off the back of a 4-1 reverse to Argentina.
Matt Law
