‘On One Condition”, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reveals the only condition that could not make him sack Carlo Ancelotti this season

After Real Madrid’s heartbreaking elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Arsenal, tension and reflection now reign supreme within the corridors of the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite a spirited second-leg display, the aggregate scoreline of 5-1 has left fans reeling and the club hierarchy asking difficult questions about the future—particularly that of Carlo Ancelotti.

What stood out after the defeat wasn’t just the tactical dissection or the missed chances, but a moment of sheer class. Carlo Ancelotti, a man under immense pressure, walked over to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the final whistle and offered his hand—along with a message that stunned everyone: “I hope you go all the way. Good luck for the future.”

Arteta, emotional and breathless after orchestrating one of the greatest nights in Arsenal’s European history, later revealed to the press, “Ancelotti was very affectionate. He told me that he hoped we would win the Champions League. It’s a message I will never forget.”

The moment, symbolic and poignant, represented a passing of the torch from one European heavyweight to a rising force. But beyond the embrace and the kind words, storm clouds were gathering above Real Madrid. The club’s recent form in Europe has not only fallen below expectations, but has cast doubt on Ancelotti’s future at the helm.

Despite his legendary status, having guided the club to four Champions League titles, Ancelotti is not immune to scrutiny. His loyalty to underperforming players, refusal to make tactical shifts when necessary, and lack of intensity in key matches have led to whispers among the board. And now, Florentino Perez has spoken.

In a closed-door meeting with club directors, Perez reportedly made one thing clear: “Ancelotti’s job is safe—on one condition.” That condition, insiders say, is that Ancelotti must win La Liga this season. Failure to secure domestic silverware may finally bring down the curtain on his second stint as manager.

The pressure is immense, but Perez is known for his ruthlessness when it comes to leadership. “We have a standard at Madrid,” a senior club official said. “It’s not enough to compete; we must dominate. If the Champions League is gone, then the league must not slip away.”

This declaration comes at a time when fans are growing increasingly restless. Social media is ablaze with criticism of the team’s performance, particularly the lack of cohesion and urgency in Europe. Star players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. have been praised for their individual efforts, but as Courtois pointed out post-match, “We are playing too individually. There is no unity on the pitch.”

Thibaut Courtois also made a damning observation, stating that Real Madrid’s inability to adapt when their star players are tightly marked is a systemic flaw. “If Vinicius or Mbappe are marked out of the game, we lose rhythm. We don’t have alternatives. That’s a coaching issue.”

Even more alarming was Courtois’ criticism of the squad composition. He highlighted the absence of a pure striker—someone like Joselu who can fight for aerial balls and give the midfield a target. “We cross, but no one’s there. That’s not a player issue, that’s a structural problem,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karim Benzema—speaking from Saudi Arabia—added fuel to the fire by revealing he had warned Ancelotti about one particular player. “I told him,” Benzema said, “he’s not Madrid level. He cost us the game against Arsenal, and Ancelotti still played him in the return leg.”

Benzema didn’t name the player directly, but sources close to the team believe he was referring to a midfielder who has consistently failed to impose himself in big games, yet continues to start ahead of more dynamic options. The former captain’s comments have divided opinion, but many fans agree with his assessment.

With this backdrop of critique, Ancelotti’s diplomatic gesture to Arteta feels both graceful and fatalistic—almost as if the Italian coach knows his time is nearing its end. Yet, even in defeat, he remained a figure of dignity and sportsmanship.

For Arsenal, this night will be remembered as a return to European relevance. Arteta’s men outplayed Real Madrid over two legs with intensity, precision, and tactical fluidity. It was a culmination of years of hard work, and the kind words from Ancelotti only made the victory sweeter.

Back in Madrid, though, the fallout has only just begun. There are talks of a major squad overhaul this summer, with veterans likely to be moved on and younger talent taking their place. Ancelotti has been part of this evolution—but he may not be around to see the final product.

Florentino Perez, ever the visionary but also the executioner, now holds the key. He has made his expectations clear. Win La Liga or walk away.

As the season edges toward its finale, every match now feels like a final. For Ancelotti, for the players, and for the legacy they’re trying to uphold. The next few weeks will define whether Carlo Ancelotti ends this chapter on his terms—or with Perez pulling the trigger.

One thing is certain: the standards at Real Madrid do not waver. And under those standards, even legends are not untouchable.