Real Madrid confirmed on Friday that Carlo Ancelotti will leave his position as head coach after a dismal season at the helm, which saw him lose out on every major trophy available.
Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid is officially over. After missing out on every major trophy this term, the 65-year-old parts ways with Los Blancos to begin a new journey in his mighty managerial career and take over the Brazil national team.
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) had already anticipated the news, unveiling it a day after Real Madrid’s 4-2 defeat to Barcelona in the ‘Clasico’ earlier this month. After weeks of silence, the Merengues have finally spoken out on Ancelotti’s departure.
“Real Madrid and Ancelotti have reached an agreement to bring his time as head coach to an end. The club would like to express its heartfelt gratitude and affection to one of the true legends of both Real Madrid and world football,” reads a statement from the club.
The Italian’s exit has been a long time coming after a difficult campaign for him and his beloved Real Madrid side. From the heights of last season, when Los Blancos won the Champions League and La Liga title, Ancelotti has been abruptly brought back down to earth this term.
Not only did Real Madrid crash out of the Champions League after being demolished by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, but they also lost back-to-back domestic cup finals to eternal rivals Barcelona. By the time of the title-deciding ‘Clasico’ on May 11, his destiny was already sealed.
Ancelotti was on course to gift Real Madrid joy one last time after Mbappe’s early brace at the Montjuic brought them within one point of the Catalans in the title race, but a spirited comeback from Hansi Flick’s men saw them eventually miss out on back-to-back La Liga glory.