Carlo Ancelotti’s Tenure at Real Madrid Under Scrutiny Following Arsenal Defeat
The report indicates that unless Real Madrid can orchestrate a remarkable comeback in the second leg, Ancelotti’s tenure may come to an end, with former player Xabi Alonso being considered as a potential successor.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.
By Robert Assad
Real Madrid’s recent 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals has intensified speculation regarding the future of head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The defeat at the Emirates Stadium has left Los Blancos with a significant challenge to overturn the deficit in the return leg at Santiago Bernabéu.
The Spanish media outlet Relevo described Ancelotti as “mortally wounded” following the heavy defeat, suggesting that his position is precarious.
The report indicates that unless Real Madrid can orchestrate a remarkable comeback in the second leg, Ancelotti’s tenure may come to an end, with former player Xabi Alonso being considered as a potential successor.
The international press has also been critical of Real Madrid’s performance. French publications L’Equipe and Le Figaro referred to the match as a “bofetada” (slap), highlighting the team’s passive display and singling out underwhelming performances from key players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Similarly, German outlet Bild praised Arsenal’s robust defense, while British newspapers such as The Guardian and The Independent labeled Real Madrid as unrecognizable, citing their lack of offensive presence.
In response to the defeat, Ancelotti canceled the team’s scheduled rest day, initiating immediate training sessions to prepare for the upcoming fixtures. The squad faces additional challenges with injuries to Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos, both of whom are unlikely to recover in time for the crucial second leg.
The uncertainty surrounding Ancelotti’s future has attracted attention from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Following the dismissal of Dorival Júnior after a heavy loss to Argentina, the CBF has renewed its interest in Ancelotti as a potential head coach for the national team.
The re-election of Ednaldo Rodrigues as CBF president has further fueled speculation about Ancelotti’s possible move to Brazil, especially if his tenure at Real Madrid concludes prematurely.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ancelotti has previously expressed his commitment to Real Madrid. In January 2025, he stated, “I will never decide the date of departure from this club, ever in my life. Someday that time will come, but I don’t know when it will be. I haven’t decided yet.”
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