Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press for the first time since it was announced that he will become Brazil’s national team coach later this month. He was calm in his tone and emphasized that it was the right time for a change. The Italian coach spoke warmly about his time at the club and about Real Madrid in general.
On Monday, Ancelotti was confirmed as the new head coach of Brazil, although Real Madrid have not yet commented on his departure. Xabi Alonso will take charge from June 1, just before the Club World Cup. This marks the end of Ancelotti’s second spell at Real Madrid – a period that makes him the club’s all-time winningest manager.
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“It’s a natural ending”
“My feeling is that I will be Brazil’s coach from the 26th [June]. It’s an important challenge, but right now I’m still Real Madrid’s coach. I want to end this wonderful adventure on a high note,” Ancelotti said.
“I know you’re interested in what I’m going to do next, but I need to focus on the days I have left here. Out of respect for the club and the fans, I am fully focused on this final phase of a spectacular adventure.”
“Football, just like life, is an adventure that has a beginning and an end. I always knew that one day it would end. A very beautiful period is over. I’ve had a great time. But that’s life – everything has its time. If life itself can end, you can imagine that a football career can too. I’ve had a great time, and I want to end it nicely. On the 26th, I can talk about the next challenge.”
“No frustration – just gratitude”
Ancelotti showed no signs of bitterness or frustration over the finish, despite the fact that Real Madrid have had defensive problems this season, not least in El Clásico.
“No, no frustration. The day I came here, if someone had said that I was going to win 11 titles in four years, I would have signed for it with blood. This season has not gone well for several reasons, but it has been an unforgettable time.”
When asked when he was told he would not continue at Real Madrid, he replied:
“You have to look at the facts [the results]. I’m the coach here until the 25th. I didn’t really understand it until yesterday (smiles). It was time for a change. That’s all. I take it quite naturally. It was a joint decision to close this chapter.”
“Real Madrid will always be in my heart”
Ancelotti has faced criticism during his second spell at the club, and there have been rumors about his future since his defeat in the first Clásico of the year.
“I’ve never felt that Real Madrid didn’t want me. Real Madrid loves me. Even if I go to Brazil on the 25th, Real Madrid will always love me. They have always shown me love. I couldn’t be Real Madrid coach forever. This comes to an end for many reasons. Maybe the club needs a breath of fresh air.”
Ancelotti looked into the air.
“I’m not making a big deal out of this. Thank you very much to this club. We continue. I want to be a Real Madrid fan for life. This is the end of a period. A spectacular one. I never thought I would be able to lead Real Madrid for six years, but it happened.”
He also didn’t have much to say about claims that some fans might be frustrated that he negotiated with Brazil while he still had one year left on his contract.
“I respect all opinions. It’s part of football. Just like press conferences – you have to put up with them. But I’m not sorry.”
“Xabi Alonso has everything he needs to become a great coach”
About his former player Xabi Alonso, who is now taking over, Ancelotti had only good words:
“I love him very much. I don’t have to give him advice, because he has all the tools to be a great coach in the future.”
Real Madrid face RCD Mallorca at the Bernabéu on Wednesday night in a game that doesn’t mean much to the team. If they lose, Barcelona will be crowned champions, but perhaps the most interesting thing will be to see how both players and Ancelotti himself face the finish.
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