Coach Carlo Ancelotti has been answering questions about his future for many months. The Real Madrid captain often has a comfortable smile. But there has been a tension in his media appearances over the past few weeks, as Los Blancos' season began to decline.
The press conference before the match against Celta Vigo was no exception. Ancelotti answered 13 questions. Eight of those were direct or indirect questions about his future, the only topic Ancelotti was determined to avoid.
"I am not angry, I calm down. I know exactly what I have to do, what I will do and what I am doing. It is not talking about my future. I know it disappointed the media, but I don't care" - Ancelotti emphasized.
Not long ago, Ancelotti's usual answer when asked about his future was always the same. The Italian has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2026 and he plans to respect that clause. But the situation has changed. At the Bernabeu, like any other club, the outcome determines a coach's future. However, for Real Madrid, unlike any other club, the result is not only good but also unmatched.
And Real Madrid this season is not the best team. In La Liga, they entered El Clasico this weekend with 4 points behind leaders Barcelona. But that 4-point gap does not reflect the difference in quality and achievements between the two teams in the 2024-2025 season.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona has made a strong impression, scoring 91 goals in 34 La Liga matches, an average of 2.68 goals per match. Blaugrana delighted fans with their dedicated, high-risk style of play but brought an exciting feeling.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti's Real Madrid have struggled to find any identity. Their squad is devastated by injuries and Ancelotti cannot find a way to maximize the ability of the stars on the attack.
Real Madrid's El Clasico results so far this season have been very brutal. These were the 0-4 home defeats in La Liga on October 26, 2024, 2-5 in the Spanish Super Cup on January 12, 2025, and 2-3 extra time in the Copa del Rey final last month.
These are results that tend to cause Real Madrid's coaches to be fired. That is not to mention the fact that this team was eliminated with a total score of 1-5 against Arsenal in the Champions League.
The "White Vultures" can still win La Liga. By beating Barca at Montjuic this weekend, the gap between the two teams will be narrowed to 1 point with 3 more matches. Of course, Real Madrid will need Barcelona to slip once again.
However, Ancelotti's fate - unless there is a completely unexpected turning point - has been decided, regardless of the outcome. As he said last weekend: "I love my club, my players and my fans. And I respect them. So I will talk about my future on May 25 (after the last match of the season) not before that."
Ancelotti's legacy at the Bernabeu is unquestionable, highlighted by three Champions League titles. And over time, the disappointments of this season will not hurt his reputation. All that remains is to properly handle his departure.
Ancelotti may not want to talk about his future, but the Italian strategist is sure that when that time comes, there will be no disagreements at the last minute.
"Whatever happened, it would be a great farewell. I will never argue with this club. I have never argued in the past 6 years, and I will never. I would not even allow myself to argue with the club on the last day if I left. Anytime, it would be great," Ancelotti added.
