Carlo Ancelotti to Brazil takes dramatic turn amid major fallout with Real Madrid.
Ancelotti’s Brazil Move in Doubt Amid Tensions with Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s anticipated appointment as Brazil’s new head coach is now in serious doubt, as tensions escalate between the Italian manager and Real Madrid.
The 65-year-old had reportedly agreed to take charge of the Brazilian national team this summer, with negotiations underway to finalize his departure from Madrid. However, the Spanish club is said to be frustrated by the public nature of the talks and is insisting Ancelotti remain in charge through the Club World Cup in June.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), meanwhile, is eager to make an appointment without further delay, following the dismissal of Dorival Junior after a heavy defeat to Argentina. With no manager currently in place, the CBF is growing increasingly impatient.
Adding to the complications, Real Madrid reportedly refuses to pay Ancelotti any compensation tied to an early exit. If a deal cannot be struck, Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus is being considered as an alternative by the CBF.
Further discussions are planned for Wednesday, although Brazilian media claim talks with Ancelotti have already collapsed.
Despite this, Ancelotti is still expected to leave Real Madrid this summer and is said to be considering a lucrative £42 million-per-year offer to manage a club in Saudi Arabia. If Jorge Jesus takes over the Brazil role, Al Hilal could move to appoint Ancelotti as his replacement.
It’s been a disappointing season for Madrid, with the club crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal and losing the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona. Ancelotti’s only silverware this campaign has been the UEFA Super Cup.
When asked about his future following the Champions League exit, Ancelotti responded calmly: “It can happen, if the club decides to change. There is no problem at all. The day I finish here, I can only do one thing: thank the club.”
Real Madrid are expected to appoint former midfielder Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti’s successor. Although Alonso has no release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract, the German club is not expected to block his departure. Compensation is estimated at around £10 million.
Alonso led Leverkusen to an historic unbeaten domestic double last season, with their only defeat coming in the Europa League final. He has long been viewed as a future Real Madrid manager.
