“Madrid still loves me” but leaving Carlo Ancelotti admits the club needs “new motivation”

Carlo Ancelotti dismissed his suggestion of losing the love of Real Madrid and its fans, but admitted that the club may need new momentum.

The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) announced yesterday that Ancelotti will take over as head coach of the national team on May 26, following Madrid’s last game of the season and shortly before the club World Cup this summer.

It ended the Italian’s second spell in Madrid, where he will leave the club and won a total of 15 trophys including two La Ligas and three Champions League titles.

However, this season was a major disappointment – the 4-3 Caraccico’s defeat at Barcelona on Sunday means Madrid have little chance to retain their domestic title, while the quarter-final defeat of Arsenal ended their defense against the Champions League.

👔 @mrancelotti350 matches Real Madrid.

– Real Madrid CF🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@RealMadriden) May 11, 2025

Ancelotti is confident his Real Madrid legacy will continue

Nevertheless, Ancelotti believes that fans will watch affectionately during the time of Santiago Bernabeu.

He said: “I never felt that Madrid didn’t love me. Madrid loved me. It always showed my feelings.

“I can’t be a coach in Madrid in my entire life. It ends for many reasons.

“The club may need new momentum. I don’t do drama for it. It’s thanks to this club, I’ll be coming from Madrid all my life. It’s an ending period. It’s spectacular. I never thought I could coach Madrid for six years and it’s over.”

Ancelotti’s contract didn’t expire until the summer of 2026, but both sides seemed happy to advance his departure by 12 months.

“As with life, the adventure of football begins and ends.” “I always knew that one day would end. A very good period ended. I had a great time. But, like everything in life, there were moments like this.

“I had a great time and I wanted to end it well. On the 26th, I will talk about another challenge.

“I’ve never had a problem with the club, and I’ll never have one. It’s a club deep inside me, and when this adventure is over, I’ll enjoy it in my heart, with wonderful memories that will be with me throughout my life.”

Brazil has no words until the Madrid adventure is completed

At a press conference this morning, many Brazilian journalists were eager to ask Ancelotti about his plans with Selecao, but the former AC Milan defender refused to lead himself.

“From the 26th, I will be the Brazilian coach,” he said. “It’s an important challenge, but I’m still a Madrid coach. I want to complete this period well.

“I know you’ll be interested in my work, but I have to think about the days I’m leaving here. Because of my respect for this club and these fans, I’m focused on the last part of this spectacular adventure.”

Madrid lacks statements without problems – Ancelotti

Despite the CBF’s statement yesterday, Madrid has not commented on Ancelotti’s imminent departure.

Asked if he knew why, the 65-year-old said: “Madrid will release the statement when they want to. There is no problem. I don’t know when they do it. They will do it when they think it is appropriate. There is nothing to add.”

Madrid hosts Real Mallorca tomorrow in Ancelotti’s penultimate match.

Xabi Alonso will replace him next season, but Ancelotti said he has no specific wisdom on Bayer Leverkusen boss.

“I don’t have any advice because he has all the tools to be a great coach in the future,” he said.