Carlo Ancelotti identifies next destination; Real Madrid already considering replacement: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly planning life beyond Carlo Ancelotti, with the legendary manager said to be contemplating a major offer on the table. The Italian has been at the Los Blancos helm since 2021, having enjoyed his first stint between 2013-2015.
Madrid have tasted stupendous success under Ancelotti across both stints. His shorter two-year first stint ended their near decade-long wait for their long-awaited UEFA Champions League La Decima.
During his current stint, the former AC Milan boss has won two La Liga-UEFA Champions League doubles, with his team losing just twice across competitions last season.
While his current contract doesn't run out before 2026, journalist Ramon Alvarez (via Madrid Universal) has reported that Ancelotti is looking at Saudi Arabia as his next destination when he leaves Los Blancos.
The report also mentions that Madrid are eyeing their former player and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso to eventually replace the legendary Italian when he leaves. Alonso led Leverkusen to a first-ever unbeaten triumph in Bundesliga history last season, with his only defeat all campaign coming against Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final.
It's pertinent to note that just last month, Ancelotti hinted that he might not manage another team after Los Blancos (via Madrid Universal), but he seemingly left the door open for a possible stint in international football:
“Real Madrid will be my last club. If there is an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know. I’m not so excited at coaching a national team because I would lose what I like most, the day-to-day. I really enjoy what I’m doing.”
He added:
“This is my season number 29 as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot, but imagine the number of titles I lost.”
Ancelotti was also linked with the Brazil job for a while before he penned an extension with Los Blancos.
What's next for Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid?
Real Madrid have had a slow start to the ongoing season despite beating reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw last month.
Los Blancos kicked off their La Liga title defence with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Mallorca before thumping Real Valladolid 3-0 at home. However, they were held to a 1-1 draw in their next outing at Las Palmas before blanking Real Betis 2-0 at home last weekend.
Following the international break, Carlo Ancelotti's side resume their league campaign with a trip to Real Sociedad on September 14. Three days later, they host VfB Stuttgart in their UEFA Champions League opener.