Carlo Ancelotti Reveals the Turning Point that Led to His Real Madrid Exit

In a candid interview, former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has shed light on the reason behind his departure from the Spanish giants. According to Ancelotti, the club’s loss to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League was the defining moment that sealed his fate. This defeat, he revealed, formed the basis of his decision to leave Santiago Bernabéu, bringing an end to his tenure at the club.

The 2022-2023 season was a disappointing one for Real Madrid, with the team failing to win any major trophies, including the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. Notably, they suffered four defeats at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona, twice in the league and twice in cup finals. These setbacks cumulatively contributed to a sense of underachievement and paved the way for change.

Following his departure, Ancelotti took on a new challenge as the national team coach of Brazil, while Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Reflecting on his exit, Ancelotti shared with MARCA that he had a thorough discussion with the club’s top management after the Champions League exit. He emphasized that the team’s performance was not meeting expectations, and it was clear that a change was necessary. "Results were not what we expected, and the team’s play wasn’t great either. It was time to do something," Ancelotti noted.

He further elaborated, "After the tie against Arsenal, we talked about it and decided. It was something we could see coming. The team wasn’t in good shape, and we realised it was best for Real Madrid to look for change and for me to look at Brazil." This decision marked the end of an era, as Ancelotti holds the record as Real Madrid’s most successful manager, having won an impressive 15 titles during his two stints with the club.

In conclusion, Ancelotti’s revelation provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to his departure from Real Madrid. His legacy at the club remains significant, with his numerous achievements setting a high standard for future managers. As he embarks on his new role with the Brazilian national team, fans and pundits alike will be watching with interest to see how his managerial expertise shapes the team’s fortunes. The appointment of Xabi Alonso as his successor at Real Madrid signals a new chapter for the club, one that will undoubtedly be filled with its own set of challenges and opportunities.