Not many thought that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti would make it this far when he was appointed in 2021 as an emergency option, following rejections from Max Allegri and others. Regarded as the fourth or fifth choice for Florentino Perez, Ancelotti has proven to be the perfect coach for Los Blancos over the past three years.
Initially signing a two-year deal, at the end of his second season, it looked at one point as if he may be sacked, and then for several months it was publicly declared by the President of the CBF that he would be the next Brazil manager. Having signed an extension through 2024 after winning the 2022 Champions League, in December last year he extended his deal again until 2026.
At that point Ancelotti will finish the league year aged 67, and there will be no next job for the Italian maestro. Despite reportedly being intrigued by the option of coaching Brazil, and some suggesting he could lead the Italy team after leaving Real Madrid, Ancelotti told La Reppublica that “I will be coaching until I finish with Real Madrid. My career will end at Real Madrid,” as carried by Cadena Cope.
Ancelotti has previously said that he is keen to carry on as long as possible in the role. Already there is talk of Real Madrid lining up Xabi Alonso as his replacement once he does move on though, as the Bayer Leverkusen manager goes from strength to strength. With Barcelona in turmoil, and Kylian Mbappe arriving this summer, Ancelotti will no doubt back himself not to give Perez a reason to sack him for some time though.
