Ancelotti Vows to Stay at Real Madrid Until 2029, Eyes Farewell with Pérez

MADRID, Spain — Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian head coach of Real Madrid, has firmly stated his intention to remain with the club until 2029, aiming to bid farewell alongside club president Florentino Pérez. Ancelotti dismissed rumors of his departure, emphasizing that he would never decide to leave the club on his own.

“I want to be very clear: the date of my departure from this club will never be decided by me in my life,” Ancelotti said during a press conference on Tuesday. He was responding to speculation that he might not continue as Real Madrid’s coach next season. “I know that day will come, but I don’t know when. It could be tomorrow after the match, the next day, in a year, or in five years. I don’t decide that.”

Ancelotti highlighted his close relationship with Pérez, who was recently re-elected as president for another four-year term. “Florentino will be here for another four years, and he knows me very well. My goal is to reach those four years with him and make a farewell together, with all the affection in the world,” he added.

The 64-year-old coach also addressed the team’s current challenges, including injuries and suspensions. Real Madrid is set to face Salzburg in the penultimate group stage match of the UEFA Champions League. Ancelotti confirmed the return of key players Vinícius Junior and Luka Modrić, who were suspended in the domestic league, as well as the recovery of Aurélien Tchouaméni from a leg injury.

However, the team will be without several players due to injuries, including Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, and David Alaba. Ancelotti also called up a central defender from the club’s youth team, Castilla, to address the shortage of right-backs.

Meanwhile, speculation about Ancelotti’s potential successor has centered on Xabi Alonso, the current coach of Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player, has a contract with Leverkusen until 2026 and is highly regarded by the Madrid fanbase. However, sources close to Alonso insist that his focus remains entirely on his current role in Germany.

“Xabi’s connection with Madrid is very strong,” said a source familiar with the situation. “But his present is in Germany, and it’s too early to predict his future.”

As Real Madrid prepares for its upcoming Champions League match, Ancelotti’s commitment to the club and his vision for the future have provided a sense of stability amid ongoing speculation.