Ancelotti Could Leave Real Madrid After Copa del Rey Final: Sky

Real Madrid is heading into a crucial period as they face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, and according to Sky Sports, Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club could be decided by the outcome of this match. With their season facing a downward spiral, the question of whether Ancelotti will remain in charge has grown louder.

The veteran manager, who took over Real Madrid in 2021, has found himself in the eye of the storm following some disappointing results this season. Real Madrid’s campaign took a massive hit in the Champions League, where they were unceremoniously knocked out by Arsenal, losing 5-1 on aggregate. The defeat has sent shockwaves through the club, and Ancelotti’s position is now under intense scrutiny.

Struggles in Domestic and European Competitions

The departure from Europe’s premier competition was a tough blow for the Madrid giants. After a promising start to their Champions League campaign, Real Madrid faltered when they faced Arsenal in the quarter-finals. The Gunners took advantage of Real Madrid’s defensive lapses and clinical finishing, ultimately putting the Spanish side to the sword in what many have described as a disheartening exit.

Back in La Liga, things haven’t been much better for Ancelotti’s men. Although they initially held a slender lead over Barcelona, the defending champions have failed to maintain their momentum, with their bitter rivals now four points clear at the top of the table. Real Madrid’s inability to seal crucial wins has left fans and analysts questioning whether the squad has underperformed or if tactical decisions have been lacking.

A Critical Moment: The Copa del Rey Final

The upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona could prove to be a defining moment in Ancelotti’s tenure at the Bernabéu. For a manager known for his tactical wisdom and experience, the pressure is mounting. Real Madrid has already lost to Barcelona this season, and another defeat would undoubtedly lead to more questions about Ancelotti’s future.

The Italian coach has faced similar challenges in the past, but this time, things feel different. With the club underperforming across multiple fronts, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sky Sports reports that if Ancelotti fails to secure silverware in the Copa del Rey, it could mark the end of his second spell in Madrid.

The Influx of Criticism and Pressure from Fans

Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid has been marred by increasing pressure. While he did guide the club to a La Liga title in 2022, his inability to deliver another Champions League triumph or maintain consistency in domestic competitions has led to frustrations within the fanbase. Real Madrid supporters are known for their high expectations, and any sign of weakness is often met with severe criticism.

The media has also been vocal in scrutinizing Ancelotti’s methods. There are whispers that the players are not responding to his approach, and tactical adjustments have been slow in coming. A section of the fanbase has even started calling for a change, demanding a fresh perspective to rejuvenate the squad.

A Legacy of Success But Unfinished Business

Ancelotti’s legacy at Real Madrid cannot be easily dismissed. Under his stewardship, the club secured a La Liga title and a Champions League victory, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest managers in world football. His calm demeanor and ability to manage star players have been credited with maintaining harmony in the dressing room.

However, despite these successes, Ancelotti’s critics argue that the lack of consistency in his second spell at Madrid might be his undoing. While he is adored by many at the club, the reality is that his tenure may ultimately be judged by his inability to win major trophies in recent seasons.

Ancelotti’s Position: ‘If Someone Thinks I’m the Only One to Blame…’

In a recent interview, Ancelotti defended his record and reiterated that he is not solely responsible for the club’s troubles. “If someone thinks I’m the only one to blame, then they are mistaken,” Ancelotti said, acknowledging that the team’s struggles have been the result of a collective effort, not just one person’s fault.

Despite his defense, the pressure to deliver results is immense, and Ancelotti is keenly aware of the consequences of failure. The upcoming Copa del Rey final will not only be a battle for silverware but also a battle for his future at the club. The outcome could determine whether he stays or is replaced by a new manager in the summer.

Potential Replacements: Who Could Step In?

While Ancelotti’s fate hangs in the balance, speculation is already circulating about potential replacements. Names like Zinedine Zidane and José Mourinho have been floated, both of whom have previous experience at the helm of the club and could be seen as capable of restoring Real Madrid’s competitive edge. There are also suggestions that Madrid’s management could look outside of the club for fresh blood.

Regardless of who steps in, the priority for Real Madrid will remain the same: securing a manager who can bring the best out of the squad and deliver silverware on a consistent basis. The club cannot afford another period of stagnation, especially with the resources at their disposal.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

Looking ahead, Ancelotti will need to find a way to rally his players for the final push of the season. With La Liga slipping away, the Copa del Rey final has become a vital opportunity to salvage the campaign. A victory could potentially save Ancelotti’s job, but failure could mark the end of his reign and the beginning of a new era for Real Madrid.

As for the players, they will need to rise to the occasion and deliver on the big stage. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Luka Modrić, and Karim Benzema will be crucial in the final, and their performances could make the difference between victory and defeat.

The Role of Florentino Pérez

Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, will also play a key role in the decision-making process. Pérez is known for his unwavering ambition and desire to keep Real Madrid at the top of European football. If the club fails to deliver this season, the question of whether Pérez will continue to back Ancelotti or make a managerial change will dominate the headlines.

Pérez’s relationship with Ancelotti has been cordial, but the pressure of maintaining the club’s dominance in both Spain and Europe may eventually force his hand. The Copa del Rey final will be a defining moment for both Ancelotti and Pérez, with the future of the club potentially hanging in the balance.

The Importance of the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona represents more than just a domestic cup for Real Madrid; it is a symbol of the club’s ambition to continue fighting for every trophy on offer. A win would be a positive outcome for Ancelotti’s tenure, offering hope for the future, while a loss would deepen the concerns about his ability to lead the team to success in the years to come.

For Ancelotti, this match will likely be his last chance to prove that he can still deliver for Real Madrid. The players and fans alike will be hoping for a performance that brings them back to the top.

Ancelotti’s Own Future: Will He Leave?

Despite the heavy speculation, Ancelotti himself has remained non-committal on his future. “It could be tomorrow, in 10 days, or in a year,” he said, leaving the door open for any outcome. His cryptic words have done little to calm the rumors, and many expect that the Copa del Rey final will be his final act at Real Madrid, one way or another.

The decision ultimately rests on the outcome of that match. For Ancelotti, it may be a bittersweet farewell after an illustrious career, while for Real Madrid, it will be the beginning of a new chapter, regardless of the result.

In the coming days, the pressure will intensify, and all eyes will be on the final, which could either secure Ancelotti’s future or end his time at the club. The stakes are higher than ever as Real Madrid prepares for their biggest match of the season.