Carlo Ancelotti has admitted for the first time that his days at Real Madrid could be numbered after his side’s controversial loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
Barca emerged as 3-2 winners after extra-time in a heated affair that saw a stunning three red cards given to Real Madrid players in the final minute of the game.
Ancelotti’s future has been uncertain for virtually the entire season but the Italian has always maintained that he would see out his contract, which runs until the end of next season.
However, having endured reports in recent weeks that he could be sacked if Real failed to win the final, Ancelotti refused to rule out the prospect of his departure, which could even happen before the season reaches its conclusion.
Speaking on his future after the loss, Ancelotti said: “I could stay at Real Madrid or maybe leave…we will see. It will be a topic for next weeks, not for today.”
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Brazil ‘confident’ in Ancelotti ‘green light’
To further add fuel to the fire, Fabrizio Romano has revealed in the wake of the defeat that Brazil are ‘very confident’ they can lure Ancelotti to be their new manager this summer.
Ancelotti has been pursued by Brazil for more than a year but the Real boss has always refused to entertain talks while he is still in a job, however Romano has claimed that ‘emissaries’ from the South American nation are in Spain discussing a move.
Brazil are waiting on Real’s next moves before a deal can be struck but they have been encouraged that they will get the ‘green light’ before the Club World Cup in June, although The Transfers Podcast revealed last month that Saudi Arabia will also push for Ancelotti to manage their nation’s team.
Although Ancelotti may end up leaving his post before the end of the season, Real’s preferred replacement in Xabi Alonso will not make a decision over his future until he sees out the remaining three games of Bayer Leverkusen’s campaign.
Alonso has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to Real Madrid and it is likely that he ends up joining his former club this summer, with Leverkusen set to narrowly miss out on winning a second successive Bundesliga title.
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