Early 2025 will be a defining one for Carlo Ancelotti as he looks to steer Real Madrid into the right direction, after a topsy turvy start to the campaign.
Although Los Blancos have done well to recover in La Liga, any unforeseen mishap in any of the cup competiitons, including the UEFA Champions League, could once again put pressure on the Italian tactician.
Ancelotti on his future
To that end, Ancelotti was recently asked about his future at Real Madrid, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
In his trademark style, though, the Italian remained coy, refusing to give out anything substantial to the press.
“My contract at Real Madrid? You never know how long I can stay. Contracts can be terminated but they can also be extended,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
It must be noted that Real Madrid have reportedly earmarked Xabi Alonso as a potential coaching target if Ancelotti gets sacked sometime this season.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti was notably asked about the opportunity to coach AS Roma, who were reportedly keen on hiring him as the head coach.
“Coach Roma? I am very happy at Real Madrid and I want to stay as long as possible,” he said.
Talking about the importance of winning titles, Ancelotti confessed it keeps him motivated.
“At Real Madrid, the day you win a title you already think about the next one you can win. The next one we can win is the Super Cup, then the Champions League, La Liga, the World Cup… Here the circle never closes and that’s good, it keeps me motivated,” he said.
The Italian also offered his thoughts on Champions League, where Real Madrid are currently in a precarious position following a difficult start to the campaign.
“In the Champions League, everyone’s aim is to reach the final. So far, our path has not been easy, but there are two games left to qualify and then we’ll see. Liverpool have done well so far, but it’s in March and April that we have to be ready to win,” he said.
With just three wins in six matches, Real Madrid are dawdling in 20th position of the UCL league stage and must win their remaining game, if they are to steer clear of the drop zone.
Finally, Ancelotti offered his take on AC Milan’s decision to sack coach Paulo Fonseca.
“I still think that being sacked is part of a coach’s job. I have been sacked thousands of times. When there are problems in a team, the responsibility falls on one man. Unfortunately, that’s how it is. In his job, the coach is alone, especially in difficult times,” he said.
“Fonseca knows what can happen when you do this kind of work. They say that when you close one door, another one opens. Coaches are sad when you get fired, but we get over it,” he concluded.
