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Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain following a crushing 3-2 extra-time defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. While speculation swirls around the Italian manager potentially taking over the vacant Brazil national team job, Ancelotti refused to shed light on what lies ahead.
The defeat to Barcelona capped a tough period for Los Blancos, who have already exited the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage and now trail Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race.
Ancelotti plays coy: "I might stay, I might leave"
"He [Mbappe] couldn't play 90 minutes," Ancelotti explained. "I preferred to put him on in the second half when the pace had dropped a bit. He came in and did very well, scored the equaliser and had many opportunities."
Speaking after the tense Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti addressed his future but remained elusive.
"I might stay, I might leave. This is an issue to deal with in a few weeks from now. Not today," Ancelotti said when questioned about the growing Brazil rumors.
Reports suggest Ancelotti has held preliminary discussions regarding the Brazil managerial role, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers looming. Although his contract with Real Madrid runs until the end of the 2025–26 season, a trophyless campaign could prompt the club’s hierarchy to consider changes.
Clasico chaos: Red cards and heartbreak
The final moments of the Clasico were chaotic, with Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vazquez, and Jude Bellingham all receiving red cards following Jules Kounde’s dramatic late winner. Despite the heartbreak, Ancelotti praised his team’s performance.
"We have to keep fighting, struggling. We did well tonight. There's nothing to criticise the team about, because we did everything we could. We competed very well," Ancelotti reflected.
"I think if we had won, it wouldn't have been a scandal. I believe that in the second half we were closer to winning than the opponent."
Kylian Mbappe’s impact off the bench
In a surprising decision, Kylian Mbappe did not start the final but made a significant impact after coming off the bench. The French superstar netted a crucial equaliser in the 70th minute, cancelling out Pedri’s opener.
"He [Mbappe] couldn't play 90 minutes," Ancelotti explained. "I preferred to put him on in the second half when the pace had dropped a bit. He came in and did very well, scored the equaliser and had many opportunities."
Ancelotti: Pressure at Madrid is "fuel" for success
Despite the increasing pressure and uncertainty, Ancelotti maintained a positive outlook on handling stress at Real Madrid.
"The club is aware that it has been a more complicated year than last year," he acknowledged.
"Together we manage the difficulties. The honeymoon continues. I'm very happy, very happy, with a lot of pressure, but that's how it always is."
He added: "You see success very close and it's normal for stress to increase, but stress is fuel for me. It doesn't bother me; it gives me more energy to think about more things. As long as I continue to get up in the morning, everything is fine."
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