Real Madrid News
Ancelotti reiterates intention to stay at Real Madrid: “Until they want to keep me”
Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid still remains undecided even as the club take on Manchester City in the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League.
With Real Madrid coming on the back of a 1-1 draw, a win must be imperative if they are to qualify for the final. And as fears grow over a potential elimination tonight, the rumblings around manager Ancelotti’s future persist in the background.
The Italian, though, has answered questions on his future in the most press conference. He expressed his desire to continue at Real Madrid and suggested that the links to Brazil are not concrete.
“There are many links, many rumours about my future as Brazil head coach but trust me, there’s nothing concrete,” Ancelotti said (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
The Brazilian FA are targeting Ancelotti as the ideal replacement for Tite, who left at the end of last year following the country’s debacle at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The authorities have not been shy in expressing the desire to hire the Real Madrid coach either.
Ancelotti, though, remains keen on fulfilling his contract at Real Madrid. “I repeat, I’ll stay here at Real Madrid until they want to keep me,” he added.
The Italian’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in the summer of 2024.
It was previously reported that his job is far from secure, especially if Real Madrid get knocked out of the Champions League.
Real Madrid had been scouring the market for replacements as well, with Xabi Alonso earmarked as one of the potential candidates.
However, it has been since suggested that the Merengues are planning for the next season with Ancelotti staying in charge.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
