Carlo Ancelotti Learns Likely Real Madrid Sack Date

The winds of change are once again swirling around the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most celebrated managers, is nearing the end of his second spell at Real Madrid.

Following a turbulent season that fell dramatically short of the club’s sky-high expectations, reports suggest the Italian tactician has learned the likely date of his departure — and it’s coming sooner rather than later.

According to multiple sources close to the club, including a recent report from The Athletic, Ancelotti is expected to remain in charge only until the conclusion of the current La Liga season, after which Real Madrid will begin a new chapter without him.

Real Madrid’s Season of Disappointment: Copa del Rey Defeat Adds to Bernabeu Frustrations

This season was supposed to be a triumphant one for Real Madrid. After the high-profile summer arrival of Kylian Mbappe, optimism was high that Ancelotti’s side would dominate both domestically and in Europe. Instead, what unfolded was a campaign riddled with inconsistency, culminating in exits from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

The latest body blow came with their defeat in the Copa del Rey final at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona, a loss that sent shockwaves through the Madrid hierarchy and fanbase alike. It wasn’t just the defeat — it was the manner of it. Lethargic, disjointed, and surprisingly passive, Madrid looked like a team devoid of ideas.

That performance, following their shocking Champions League exit, sealed Ancelotti’s fate in the eyes of club president Florentino Perez and the rest of the board.

Carlo Ancelotti Expected to Leave Real Madrid Before Club World Cup

While initial rumours suggested that Ancelotti might be dismissed immediately after the Copa del Rey final, it now appears the club is opting for a more measured approach. According to The Athletic, Ancelotti is likely to see out the domestic season before officially parting ways with the Spanish giants.

Behind closed doors, Ancelotti has already started to prepare for his exit. It’s understood that he has privately informed a number of key dressing room figures of his intentions to leave this summer. Formal discussions with Perez and the rest of the club’s leadership will finalise the terms of his early departure, given that Ancelotti’s current contract technically runs until 2026.

The plan, as things stand, is simple: allow Ancelotti to finish the La Liga campaign, and then install a new manager to take charge for the upcoming Club World Cup.

Xabi Alonso Remains the Dream Replacement

Alonso is on the radar / Lars Baron/GettyImages

Replacing a figure of Ancelotti’s stature is no easy task, but Madrid seem to have already identified their ideal candidate. Xabi Alonso, the rising managerial star who currently leads Bayer Leverkusen, is at the top of the club’s wishlist.

The former Madrid midfielder, known for his tactical intelligence and composed leadership style during his playing days, has earned widespread acclaim for his work in Germany. Alonso has transformed Leverkusen into a formidable force, instilling a dynamic, high-energy style of play that has caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The challenge for Madrid will be prying Alonso away from Leverkusen. Like Ancelotti, Alonso is under contract until 2026, and Leverkusen are understandably reluctant to lose their manager just as he’s beginning to build something special.

Madrid may have to negotiate a significant compensation package or, alternatively, wait until Alonso is willing and able to make the switch.

Interim Plans: Santiago Solari on Standby

In the event that securing Alonso proves difficult in the immediate term, Real Madrid have reportedly made contingency plans. Santiago Solari, a familiar face to Madridistas, is being lined up as a potential interim manager.

Solari, who previously had a short-lived stint as Real Madrid’s head coach in 2018-19, is currently serving as a director at the club. His understanding of the club’s ethos and his experience working with younger players make him a logical short-term solution while Madrid wait for their long-term target.

It’s not an ideal scenario for a club that prides itself on seamless transitions, but given the circumstances, Solari could provide a steady hand on the tiller until Alonso – or another preferred candidate – becomes available.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Next Step: Brazil Beckons

While uncertainty looms large at the Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti’s future appears relatively clear. The 64-year-old has long been linked with a move to international management, and it’s widely expected that he will soon take over as the next head coach of the Brazilian national team.

The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) have made no secret of their admiration for Ancelotti, seeing him as the ideal figure to guide the Seleção to glory at the 2026 World Cup. Talks have reportedly advanced, and an agreement is said to be close.

It would be a fitting next chapter for Ancelotti — a manager whose calm demeanor, tactical flexibility, and ability to handle big personalities seem tailor-made for the demands of the Brazilian national team.

If confirmed, it would also mark Ancelotti’s first foray into international management, a remarkable new challenge for one of the game’s most decorated coaches.

Real Madrid Fans Divided on Ancelotti’s Departure

Among the Real Madrid faithful, reactions to Ancelotti’s impending departure are predictably mixed. On the one hand, there is immense respect for what he has achieved during his time at the club. His first spell brought the long-awaited La Decima — Madrid’s 10th European crown — and his return saw yet more silverware, including another Champions League title.

On the other hand, frustration has been mounting over the team’s lack of evolution. Critics argue that Madrid have become too predictable, too reliant on moments of individual brilliance rather than cohesive, tactical superiority. In a rapidly changing football landscape, they say, Madrid need fresh ideas and fresh energy — something they believe Alonso could bring.

Conclusion: A Summer of Change at the Bernabeu

The writing is on the wall. Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid is drawing to a close, and a summer of change awaits one of football’s biggest clubs. With the Copa del Rey defeat still stinging, and no trophies to celebrate despite the arrival of a global superstar like Mbappe, the club has little choice but to embark on a new path.

Whether it’s Xabi Alonso, Santiago Solari, or someone else entirely who takes the reins, one thing is certain: the expectations will not diminish. At Real Madrid, success is not an ambition — it’s a demand.

For Ancelotti, a new adventure with Brazil beckons. For Madrid, the future starts now.