Carlo Ancelotti confirmed his planned departure from Real Madrid, saying that there is “no drama” between him and the club.
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A good ending
Ancelotti also confirmed that he will take over as Brazil’s new head coach starting May 26.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday ahead of Madrid’s game against Real Mallorca, Ancelotti did not discuss why the club has yet to officially announce his departure.
“Madrid will publish a statement when they want to, there’s no problem there,” Ancelotti said.
“They’ll do it when it’s the right time for Real Madrid … [Brazil] is a big challenge, but until May 26 I’m still Madrid coach. I want to end the final stage of this fantastic adventure well. Out of the respect I have for this club, the fans and players, I’m totally focused.”
Meanwhile, the Italian coach declined to reveal when he first learned that he would be leaving Madrid at the end of the season.
“What I talk about with the club is absolutely personal,” he said.
“Football, like life, is an adventure that begins and ends. When you arrive at Real Madrid, you know that one day it’s over… I want to end things well here, that’s what my professionalism demands.”
“No drama” between Ancelotti and Real Madrid
Madrid suffered a 4-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona on Sunday, leaving them seven points behind the leaders at the top of the LaLiga table.
The result means Barca will be confirmed as champions if Madrid fail to beat Mallorca or if Barça defeat Espanyol on Thursday.
Ancelotti has come under increasing pressure following an underwhelming season at the Bernabeu.
Madrid were knocked out in the Champions League quarterfinals and lost to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
Sunday’s Clasico defeat effectively ended their title hopes, meaning they will finish the domestic season without a major trophy.
“I couldn’t be Real Madrid coach forever,” Ancelotti said.
“[That’s] for a lot of reasons, it might be the club needs fresh impetus. They’re normal things in life, there’s no need for drama … Maybe it was the time for a change, that’s all. It’s a mutual decision to end it here.”
Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Madrid is finalising a deal for Xabi Alonso to take over as Ancelotti’s successor.
“I have a lot of affection for Xabi Alonso,” Ancelotti said.
“I don’t have a lot of advice to give him, because he has all the tools to be a great coach in the future.”
