Ragamutama.com – Amidst swirling speculation about Carlo Ancelotti’s potential dismissal from Real Madrid, a former Barcelona manager has voiced his support.
The reigning champions endured a disappointing Champions League campaign, reaching only the quarter-finals after suffering defeats against Arsenal, both home and away (0-3 and 1-2 respectively).
Ancelotti’s tenure is under scrutiny, given Real Madrid’s consistent semi-final appearances in 12 out of the last 14 Champions League editions.
His position is further jeopardized by the team’s struggles in LaLiga, where they currently trail rivals Barcelona by 7 points, sitting in second place.
Barcelona recently secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo on April 19, 2025.
Adding to the pressure, Real Madrid suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat at home against Barcelona in their previous El Clasico encounter this season.
Ancelotti’s challenges are amplified by the high expectations surrounding the arrival of Kylian Mbappé from PSG.
However, the club’s management seemingly overlooked the significant loss of key midfielder Toni Kroos, who retired at the end of last season.
Rumors suggest Real Madrid has decided to part ways with Ancelotti before the end of the 2024-2025 season.
The upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26th is considered Ancelotti’s last chance to solidify his position with the club.
In a recent statement, Ancelotti expressed his readiness to accept any decision the management makes regarding his future.
“It could be this year or next year when my contract expires,” he stated.
“No problem. But when I’m finished here, I will be very grateful to Real Madrid. That’s all.”
Ancelotti’s precarious situation has also drawn the attention of Athletic Bilbao’s manager, Ernesto Valverde, who will face Real Madrid in the 32nd week of LaLiga on Sunday (20/4).
Valverde defended Ancelotti, believing the criticism he’s received is unwarranted, given his contributions to Real Madrid.
“Last year he won the Champions League and LaLiga,” said Valverde, who managed Barcelona after Luis Enrique’s departure, winning both the Spanish League and the Copa del Rey in his first season.
“I don’t know how many Super Cups he’s won.”
“If they criticize him, then what will they say to the rest of us coaches?”
Ancelotti has managed Madrid in two separate spells, from 2013 to 2015 and from 2021 to the present, consistently delivering trophies each season.
In 2013-2014, Los Blancos secured the Copa del Rey and Champions League, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup the following season.
LaLiga was conquered in 2021-2022 and last season, coupled with the Champions League and Spanish Super Cup triumphs.
In 2022-2023, Ancelotti added the Copa del Rey to his collection, along with the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
This season, under Ancelotti’s guidance, Madrid once again lifted the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.
