Carlo Ancelotti provides update on managerial future amid Real Madrid exit rumours
Amidst reports that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is contemplating an exit, the legendary head coach allayed concers, saying that he's set to continue for a while. His ongoing second stint at the helm of Los Blancos started in 2021 after his first had lasted from 2013 to 2015.
The La Liga giants have achieved huge success under Ancelotti, especially during the ongoing stint, winning three titles last season, including a second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years.
Earlier this week, Madrid Universal had reported that Ancelotti had an offer on the table from Saudi Arabia and that Los Blancos were eyeing their former player and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso to take over.
However, Ancelotti has seemingly rubbished reports of his impending exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, telling MARCA (via Madrid Universal):
“For me, success is giving everything you can. If you manage to get the most out of it mentally or physically.I see myself working for a long time. I will continue until the fire I have for football is over."
Ancelotti's side are second in the fledgling La Liga standings, trailing their arch-rivals Barcelona (12) by four points. Los Blancos haven't gone back-to-back in the top flight since 2008.
"Real Madrid have very high demands" - Head coach Carlo Ancelotti
One of the most decorated managers in the game's history, Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed success at Real Madrid across two stints. However, the Italian revealed that there's pressure to excel in every competition the club enter.
The only manager to win top-flight titles in each of Europe's top-five leagues and the only one to win the UEFA Champions League five times, Ancelotti is a bonafide managerial legend.
In the aformentioned interview, he offered a sneak peak into the inner working at the Bernabeu, especially the demand for success:
“Real Madrid have very high demands because they are the biggest club in the world. They have the biggest players. You have to be able to put their quality at the service of the club. That’s what we try to do every year."
About his team's relatively quiet start to the season - three wins in five games across competitions - the Italian didn't sound fazed:
“We will have a great season in all competitions, but our duty is to compete in the matches as always, this club never gives up and fights until the end, that’s what you have to do when you wear the Real Madrid shirt.”
Carlo Ancelotti's side travel to Real Sociedad on September 14 when La Liga action resumes after the international break.