Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will leave the club when his contract expires in 2024, in order to take up a post with the Brazil national team.
The Italian has won one La Liga title and two Champions Leagues with Los Blancos, as well as seven other major trophies across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu.
There was a lot of speculation that the 64-year-old would depart this summer to move to Brazil, but he has decided to honour his contract at the club and remain for one more season, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that next season will be his last in Spain.
His move to Brazil will be his first as an international manager, having spent three years as assistant manager of Italy at the start of his coaching career.
Real Madrid’s Brazilian stars Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior may be delighted that they will continue to play under Ancelotti once he leaves Real, whilst there is no indication yet who the club will appoint as his successor.
Is this good for Real Madrid?
Ancelotti received criticism last season in what was a slightly underwhelming campaign for Real Madrid. Whilst the team won the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa Del Rey, they were outclassed by Barcelona in La Liga and were demolished by Manchester City in the Champions League.
His tactics were called into question, particularly after the City defeat, and some may argue that now would be the best time for him to depart and for Real to bring in a fresh approach.
With former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann available, the young German could be seen as someone who can take the hot seat at the Bernabeu, but it remains to be seen whether Florentino Perez will elect for a more experienced option.
The second return of Zinedine Zidane cannot be ruled out, and Perez may choose a coach who can get the best out of the young talent at the club.
The likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are Real Madrid’s present and future, and a manager who can help these world-class talents thrive would be ideal for Los Merengues.