Ancelotti addresses leaving Real Madrid speculation

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has addressed speculation about leaving Real Madrid, firmly denying reports that he plans to step down at the end of the season.

In a press conference on Tuesday, he emphasised his commitment to the team and his positive relationship with club president Florentino Perez.

Despite ongoing rumours linking him to the Brazil national team, Ancelotti reassured fans of his dedication to Real Madrid, where he has become the club’s most successful coach in history.

He said, “I want to be very clear. I won’t decide my departure date from this club.

“I know the day will come. But when that day will come, I don’t know. I won’t decide. It could be tomorrow, after the next game, in a year, or in five years.

“I have a target. We have Florentino Pérez (Real Madrid President) here for another four years, he knows me well, and the target is to be here for those four years. We can leave together with all the affection in the world!”

Real Madrid are top of LaLiga, two points clear of Atletico Madrid and seven ahead of Barcelona, and have won two trophies this campaign, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

However the team have also faced criticism from fans and the media and have been twice heavily beaten by Barca, 0-4 in the league in October, and 2-5 in the Spanish Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia last week.

“I feel very loved here in every sense, by the fans, by the club.

“And by the media. Sometimes things get exaggerated, but I want to stay objective and follow my path,” Ancelotti said.

Madrid have suffered some notable losses in the Champions League this season, losing to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool, and surviving scares to beat Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta.

They host Salzburg at the Bernabéu with a top eight finish which would mean direct progression to the knockout stage already looking unlikely, with nine points from six games.

“We don’t have much chance, but the only chance we have is winning the two remaining games.

“If we have to play the playoff round, we’ll do our best. It’s a demanding calendar, but we’re used to it,” he added.