Carlo Ancelotti responds to rumours he will leave Real Madrid following Arsenal defeat

Carlo Ancelotti has distanced himself from speculation he could leave Real Madrid this summer, insisting he wants to remain in the job for ‘as long as possible’.

It’s been a difficult few days for the 65-year-old, with Madrid’s Champions League title defence brought crashing to a halt after a comprehensive quarter-final defeat at the hands of Arsenal.

Ancelotti’s men also trail bitter rivals Barcelona by four points in La Liga, with just six games remaining of the top-flight campaign, and the Copa del Rey represents the club’s last remaining shot at major silverware.

The Italian has steered Los Blancos to 15 trophies across his two spells in the hot seat at the Bernabeu and is considered to be among the Spanish champions’ greatest ever managers.

However, rumours have intensified over Ancelotti’s future in the wake of Madrid’s humbling European exit and it’s been widely reported that the former Chelsea and Everton boss is likely to move on at the end of the season.

Serie A giants Roma and AC Milan have been mooted as possible destinations, while the Brazilian Football Federation are said to view Ancelotti as the dream candidate to lead the side into next year’s World Cup.

But facing the media this morning, Ancelotti told reporters: ‘I love being here and I hope this will last as long as possible.

‘The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, contented. There is a lot of pressure, true, but that is always the case at this point of the season.

‘I’m happy with the club, they know this has been a tough season. Stress is fuel – it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy.’

Ancelotti’s current contract with Madrid runs through to the end of the 2025/26 season.

Ancelotti believes Madrid’s objective is simple: defeat Barcelona in La Liga and the Copa del Rey to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing the season on a high.

‘It’s logical that both titles come with beating Barcelona,’ he added.

‘That’s what we have ahead of us and that’s what we have to do.

‘We can achieve it but it’s clear that something needs to change.’

Asked whether he expected more from his team this season, Ancelotti replied: ‘It could have been better, for sure, and I have to accept my responsibility.

‘Hopefully, at the end of the season, this consideration, which may be correct, will fade into the background.’

Federico Valverde’s late heroics saw Madrid edge Athletic Bilbao in a 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Madrid will look to make it three straight wins in the league when they head to 12th-placed Getafa on Wednesday night.

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