Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti talks Messi, Ronaldo, Luka Modric, World Cup finals
Carlo Ancelotti sat down with Radio Anch’io Sport where he offered his thoughts on the recently concluded FIFA World Cup. He also talked about the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo while praising Real Madrid star Luka Modric.
Ancelotti stressed how Argentina and Lionel Messi deserved the World Cup, stating (h/t Diario AS), “It has been very nice and ended with a beautiful final. Argentina deserved to win, they found their conviction and grabbed a fantastic Messi.“
He explained the reason Argentina lifted the Cup, adding, “They won for two reasons: because they have good players and the best, and because this quality was supported by new players like Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, with a team with a good defensive attitude”.
Ancelotti went on to talk about Lionel Scaloni, who was the mastermind behind Argentina’s triumph in not only the World Cup but also Copa America last year.
“He did an extraordinary job, but he didn’t do something new: he just put the players in their place and gave them a good defensive organization, supporting the great work of Messi, Álvarez and Di María. Nothing new, let’s say,” he said.
Ancelotti talked about the final as well, adding, “The two teams that had the best individual talent and the best organization came to play it. They were not afraid to defend themselves despite their talent. France and Argentina based their victories on good defense and the quality of the players”.
The Real Madrid coach gave his verdict on the Messi-Ronaldo debate as well, especially in the midst of talk about how the fabled rivalry that lasted a decade and a half, may soon come to an end.
“This duel gave them both motivations. In these years, they have been the main architects of the world of football, playing great and scoring many goals. Messi closes his career with the World Cup, Ronaldo closes it in a different way, but it was extraordinary anyway,” he said.
“Especially here, in Madrid, he will remain forever in the hearts of the fans. I don’t know what he will do in the future, he still wants to compete at the highest level and I don’t think the Arab world can be suitable for him in this sense,” he said about Ronaldo.
Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on another player that has lasted a decade and a half, in the form of Luka Modric. “Modric is immortal. He will stay if he wants. We are all sure that he will retire at Real Madrid,” he said.
Apart from his thoughts on the World Cup, Ancelotti offered clarity on his future as well, suggesting that he has no plans to leave Real Madrid unless they sack him before his contract expires in 2024.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti could renew contract with Real Madrid if he wins the Champions League – report
The continuity of Carlo Ancelotti hinges on several factors and journalist Mario Cortegana, while writing for The Athletic, has confirmed that if Real Madrid do not sack him at the end of the season, the Italian will continue to serve the team at least until his current contract, which runs until 2024.
Furthermore, the report also states that Ancelotti could even be handed a contract extension if he leads the team to the UEFA Champions League triumph once again.
It is more than evident that Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future is far from certain. Ever since the managerial role at the Brazilian national team opened up, the 63-year-old is being pursued by the South American team.
Cortegana writes that even though Ancelotti is quite happy at Real Madrid, there remains a possibility that he will, indeed, accept the Brazil role if he were to leave the Spanish capital city as he sees this job as an appealing end to his managerial career.
At Real Madrid, he knows that he will have to keep winning trophies and this season, the La Liga honour is more or less lost. But with the possibility of winning the UEFA Champions League still open, Cortegana has reported that if the Italian does, in fact, succeed at winning the European crown, he might end up renewing his deal with the team.
At the moment, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is trying to keep a respectful distance, but there is absolutely no denying the fact that they have made him their absolute priority.
“Ancelotti is not only the players’ favourite but it seems the fans’ too,” said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues about Ancelotti.
“Everywhere I go in Brazil, in every stadium, he is the first name the supporters ask me about. They talk about him in a very affectionate way, in recognition of the exemplary work he has done in his career,” he added.
Ancelotti is aware that Brazil want him and Brazil know Ancelotti is ready to join, but everything hinges on what happens with Real Madrid this season.
If they end up winning the Champions League or even if Madrid decided to stick with him until his contract expires [2024], Brazil will be forced to look for alternatives. If not, one can expect the Italian to be the new head coach of the Seleçao.
