Carlo Ancelotti reportedly saw a request to sign Jude Bellinghamโs England teammate rejected by Real Madrid in January.
Ancelotti to Depart Real Madrid Amid Tensions and Trophyless Season
Carlo Ancelotti, 65, is set to step down as Real Madrid manager at the end of the 2024/25 season, concluding a highly decorated tenure that saw him lift 15 trophies over two separate stints with the club.
Speculation surrounding his successor continues to grow, with Xabi Alonsoโformer Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool midfielderโwidely tipped to take over. Alonso recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current campaign, further fueling rumors of a return to the Bernabรฉu.
Ancelottiโs final season appears likely to end without silverware. Barcelonaโs dramatic 4-3 El Clรกsico victory widened their lead to seven points with only three La Liga matches left, placing Hansi Flickโs side firmly in control of the title race.
Though reports of behind-the-scenes frictionโparticularly between Ancelotti and club president Florentino Pรฉrezโhave circulated, the Italian dismissed suggestions of discord in April. โThere is no conflict,โ Ancelotti insisted. โIn moments like these, the president shows even more affection than when we win.โ
Nonetheless, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague revealed in a BBC Sport column that internal disagreements did emerge during the season. According to Balague, concerns over the squadโs physical condition and discipline drew increased involvement and criticism from Pรฉrez and other senior figures.
Sources from the directorsโ box reportedly expressed frustration over a perceived lack of defensive commitment from key players. Attempts by Ancelotti to address these issues in meetings with his squad were seen as ineffective, with doubts also cast over his handling of the clubโs younger talents.
Balague also reported that Ancelotti requested the signing of England right-back Kyle Walker in January to cover for the injured Dani Carvajal and รder Militรฃoโan appeal that ultimately went unfulfilled.
As Real Madrid prepares for a new era, questions linger over how the club will evolve under its next manager and whether Alonso can restore harmony and silverware at the Bernabรฉu.
However, Ancelottiโs reported request to sign Kyle Walker was ultimately turned down by the Real Madrid hierarchy. The experienced right-back instead joined AC Milan on loan from Manchester City during the January transfer window.
Looking ahead, Ancelottiโs next move may lie on the international stage. He is said to be in ongoing talks with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) regarding their vacant managerial role. Discussions have reportedly taken place in both London and Madrid over recent weeks.
Meanwhile, his son and long-time assistant Davide Ancelotti could be set to carve out his own path. Having worked alongside his father at PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid, Davide is believed to be considering stepping into a head coach position independently.
