On Monday, Carlo Ancelotti, the world-famous coach of Real Madrid, dropped a bombshell. He will depart the club to take over charge of the Brazil national team as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This move is especially surprising considering he had a full year left on his current deal with Real Madrid. Once again, Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Mallorca. More important than anything else was his focus on closing out the season with power and grit.
Speaking at a Valdebebas press conference, Ancelotti reaffirmed that his focus is to win those final three games in season 2022-23. His comments came just days after Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. In his remarks, he suggested this could be his swan song. Ancelotti has enjoyed unprecedented success in his latest stint in charge of Los Blancos. The football world is transfixed with his impending move to the national team.
Ancelotti’s Focus on Final Matches
In his first media address of the season on Friday, Ancelotti looked back at the difficulties posed over the past weeks. He even recognized how tough their upcoming match with Mallorca will be, highlighting just how fierce the competition can be in La Liga.
“Every match against Mallorca is a battleground – intense and fiercely contested. Despite some key players being sidelined, we are prepared to field a formidable lineup. Our aim is to triumph in these final three games. The league battle is not over yet, and conceding to our adversaries is not an option. We’re determined to conclude this challenging season on a victorious note.” – Carlo Ancelotti
Outside of keeping the brilliant Frenchman, Ancelotti’s statement represents his unflinching desire to see his team continue down the turbulent final stretch of the season. His leadership has been pivotal for Real Madrid, and he aims to leave a lasting legacy before starting his new role.
Rodrygo’s Health Concerns
The coach responded to questions about forward Rodrygo, who recently stepped down from the pitch amid health concerns. Ancelotti disclosed that Rodrygo had been hit with a fever, which affected him physically and his trainings and recovery were impacted.
“Rodrygo was struck by a fever last week, which hindered his training and recovery. Today, he mentioned some thigh discomfort that requires our careful attention. Post-fever, he’s not yet in top form. Despite the swirling speculation, it’s clear that Rodrygo is cherished by everyone, especially me,” – Carlo Ancelotti
Rodrygo’s absence from the lineup marks his third consecutive missed match, raising concerns about the team’s depth as they face crucial fixtures. Ancelotti’s affection for the young talent is evident, as he continues to advocate for Rodrygo’s well-being and future contributions.
Transition to Brazil’s National Team
Ancelotti’s move to Brazil’s national team, confirmed in the last week of June 2023, is still another high-water point for his coaching career. Now aged 65, the Tottenham Hotspur boss has long established a name for himself as one of football’s most respected managers. His installation is intended to revitalize Brazilian futebol in the nick of time for the World Cup.
While he no doubt plans for this new chapter, Ancelotti seems intent on continuing to do his job at Real Madrid. His experience, for sure, will be crucial to formulating Brazil’s approach to the World Cup where they’ll take on the world’s best once again. And so the football world watches intently, with Ancelotti trying to manage his immediate commitments while laying the groundwork for stepping into charge of Brazil.
