MADRID – Carlo Ancelotti said he wants to remain at Real Madrid beyond 2026 after the Italian inked a two-year contract extension at the Spanish La Liga giants last week.
The 64-year-old, whose previous contract was due to expire at the end of June, has been at Real since 2021, having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015.
He has won one league title with Real, along with two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups.
“My contract was up on June 30. The club have decided to do it now because they’re happy with our work,” Ancelotti said on Jan 2, ahead of a home game against Mallorca.
“I don’t know if it will be my last spell as a coach.
“I don’t know what will happen once I finish here. I might still be here in 2026, depending on how successful I am.
“I’d like to be Madrid coach until 2026, and hopefully I can continue to be here in 2027 and 2028 because I want to stay here.”
Before signing the extension, Ancelotti had been linked with a move to Brazil’s national team, with ex-Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues having said he was the preferred candidate.
It had also been reported in July 2023 that he would become the first foreigner to coach Brazil in almost 60 years, taking over Tite, who departed after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but Ancelotti said staying at Real had always been his priority.
“I was proud (to be considered), everyone knows that I had contact with the president of the Brazilian federation but it was all dependent on my situation with Real Madrid and that was all clear,” he added.
“Ednaldo is not the president right now and everything has gone the way I wanted because I’m able to stay here.
“But I want to thank him for the affection and interest he showed towards me.
“Thinking about being the Brazil coach was exciting, but I don’t know if they will want me in 2026.
“I don’t know if they will be happy with this decision.”
Ancelotti has also won domestic league titles with AC Milan, in England with Chelsea, in Germany with Bayern Munich and in France with Paris Saint-Germain, becoming the first coach ever to win the championship in Europe’s top five leagues. AFP, REUTERS
