Real Madrid: End of Ancelotti’s reign, Florentino Perez bangs his fist on the table

The walls of the Santiago Bernabéu echoed with silence on Wednesday night, not just because of Real Madrid’s painful elimination from the UEFA Champions League, but because a storm is brewing at the heart of the club. Carlo Ancelotti, the ever-composed Italian tactician, might have overseen his last European night as manager of Los Blancos.

Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at home sealed their exit from the quarter-finals after a humiliating 3-0 loss at the Emirates. The aggregate scoreline of 5-1 sent shockwaves through Spain and beyond. But more than the result, it was the lifeless performance, the tactical indecisiveness, and the lack of identity that truly infuriated the Madrid faithful.

Criticism has come in thick and fast. Spanish media has been ruthless. El Chiringuito didn’t hold back, while veteran journalist Siro López declared Ancelotti responsible for “70% of the failure,” pointing fingers at the Italian’s passive game plan, poor substitutions, and failure to inspire a squad brimming with world-class talent.

For a club of Real Madrid’s prestige, failing to show up in both legs was more than just a bad day — it was a collapse. Fans were left confused as to how a team with Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Kroos could be so outplayed, out-thought, and outclassed by a resurgent Arsenal side led by Mikel Arteta.

Behind the scenes, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is furious. Known for his demanding standards, he reportedly banged his fist on the table during a private meeting with top board members and sporting directors, demanding immediate accountability and a new vision for the club’s future.

The names of possible successors are already making rounds. At the top of the list is Xabi Alonso — a club legend currently performing miracles at Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso’s tactical intelligence, modern approach, and connection with the fans make him a strong contender. But he’s not alone.

Jürgen Klopp, recently free after leaving Liverpool, is also on Real’s radar. The German’s intense pressing philosophy and elite experience in Europe make him an appealing candidate. However, his potential appointment could be complicated by interest from the Brazilian national team, who see him as a dream successor to Tite.

Meanwhile, speculation is rising that the change in management could happen sooner than expected. Siro López even suggested that Ancelotti could be gone before May 11. Sky Sports believes the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona on April 26 might be his final bow.

In case of an early exit, an interim manager would likely take charge of the remaining La Liga games. However, this wouldn’t be just a temporary fix. Florentino Pérez wants a total reset — a fresh start, a new identity, and a coach who can bring fire and belief back to a group that seems lost.

Perez’s focus is crystal clear: the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled between June 15 and July 13. He views this as the next battlefield for Madrid’s global dominance — both from a sporting and commercial perspective. He believes only a new, visionary coach can guide the team toward this goal.

While Ancelotti’s trophy cabinet speaks volumes — La Decima, domestic leagues, and global titles — it appears his message no longer resonates. The once unshakable bond with players is showing cracks. The dressing room seems disconnected, and that usually signals the end of an era at Real Madrid.

Brazil remains a viable destination for Ancelotti. The Brazilian Football Federation has made their admiration no secret and sees Ancelotti as the ideal figure to lead a new generation of Seleção stars. Such a move would give the Italian a grand international send-off — a fitting challenge to close a remarkable career.

What is especially painful for Madridistas is how abruptly things have turned. Just months ago, Ancelotti was hailed for integrating young talent and maintaining squad harmony. But in football, memories are short, and failure in Europe is often unforgivable at the Bernabéu.

Supporters are divided. While some still respect Ancelotti’s legacy, others have turned their backs, demanding immediate change and a return to the aggressive, winning identity that defines Real Madrid. The clamor for Xabi Alonso to come home grows louder with each passing hour.

Inside the club, several senior figures believe a younger, modern coach is the way forward. They argue that players like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham need a coach who speaks their football language — progressive, intense, and fearless.

Despite everything, Ancelotti remains composed publicly. In his post-match press conference, he refused to comment on his future, stating, “I still have a contract and I respect this club.” But those words feel like a farewell letter more than a declaration of continuity.

As the clock ticks, all eyes are on Pérez. One of the most influential figures in modern football, he now faces a critical decision. Will he cut ties with a legend? Or will he trust Ancelotti one last time? At Real Madrid, patience is thin, but expectations are always sky high.

Whatever happens next, one thing is certain — the Ancelotti era at Real Madrid is hanging by a thread. And if this is indeed the end, it will mark one of the most dramatic exits in the modern history of the club.