Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid before the end of the season, with his final match expected to be the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. The news, first reported by Sky Sports, comes in the wake of Real Madrid’s painful elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal.
The quarterfinal defeat marked a breaking point for the club, which had invested heavily this season to return to European glory. After a 3-0 first-leg loss in London, Los Blancos failed to mount a comeback at home and fell 2-1 in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. For Ancelotti, who has won three Champions League titles during his most recent stint with Real Madrid, it was one of the most devastating defeats of his tenure.
Although the Italian coach has a contract that runs through 2026, multiple sources suggest that his early departure is now inevitable. Ancelotti will remain in charge for the Copa del Rey final against their historic rival Barcelona, but he is not expected to continue for the final stretch of the La Liga season.
Real Madrid to Appoint Interim Coach Ahead of Key Matches
With Ancelotti’s imminent exit, Real Madrid is preparing to appoint an interim manager to oversee the remainder of the campaign. This includes the final matches in La Liga, where Barcelona currently holds a four-point lead, and early planning for the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025–2026 season.
Among the potential replacements, the name of former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has gained traction. Alonso is currently leading Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and is viewed as a rising managerial talent. Another prominent candidate is Jürgen Klopp, who is currently serving as the global director of football at Red Bull. According to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, Klopp would consider leaving his role for only two opportunities: coaching the Brazil national team or managing Real Madrid.
Brazil Accelerates Push to Secure Ancelotti
Ancelotti’s anticipated departure aligns with renewed efforts from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to secure him as head coach of the Brazil national team. The CBF has intensified negotiations in recent weeks, with businessman Diego Fernandes acting as an intermediary. Fernandes was seen in a VIP box at the Bernabéu during the match against Arsenal, and later gave a brief statement to El Chiringuito, further fueling speculation.
Although Ancelotti has denied having direct talks with Brazil, sources indicate that discussions are underway through his representatives. Brazil hopes to confirm his appointment before the next FIFA international window in June, when they are scheduled to play World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. Following a 4-1 defeat to Argentina and a current fourth-place standing in their qualifying group, the CBF is eager to make a managerial change.
Mbappé Injury Adds to Real Madrid’s Woes
As Real Madrid prepares for the Copa del Rey final and a managerial transition, the team is also dealing with the injury of Kylian Mbappé. The French striker was forced off in the 75th minute of the second leg against Arsenal after a challenge with Declan Rice. Club sources confirmed that he suffered an ankle sprain. While Mbappé left the pitch on his own, his availability for the final remains uncertain.
With a possible exit by Carlo Ancelotti and key players like Mbappé injured, Real Madrid faces a turbulent end to the season—one that could mark the beginning of a new era at the Bernabéu.