'Mortally wounded' Carlo Ancelotti set for Real Madrid sack

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Apr 2025 15:01 BST
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to survive at Real Madrid beyond the season, according to Spanish media.

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Tuesday night proved to be a historic debacle for the Champions League's most decorated manager. Five-time winner Ancelotti and his 15-time champions Real Madrid were humiliated by Arsenal at the Emirates.

After a relatively even first half, Los Blancos capitulated. The Spanish behemoth increasingly lost control of the game and all hell broke loose when Declan Rice's first free kick beat Thibaut Courtois.

When Rice pulled off the same trick again - and in even more impressive fashion - Real Madrid were on their last legs and Mikel Merino dealt them the killing blow with a nicely taken finish.

A 3-0 first-leg deficit is not totally insurmountable, especially not for a team like Real Madrid, but the game was emblematic of what has been a pretty dire season by the capital club's lofty standards.

Ancelotti faces the sack

Indeed, according to Relevo, Ancelotti is looking increasingly unlikely to survive beyond the season. The Italian coaching legend appeared 'mortally wounded' and 'sad, dejected and also tired' after the game.

Real Madrid's swagger is gone and Ancelotti looks bereft of energy. This, of course, hasn't gone unnoticed and it is clear that all-powerful president Florentino Perez needs to make a change this summer.

© IMAGO - Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso

Ancelotti, who is still under contract until 2026, is fighting to save his job in the final few weeks of the season after a run of dismal results. Real Madrid recently relinquished top spot in LaLiga and are now staring in the face of a Champions League exit.

The 65-year-old was already at risk of the sack back in December and there is a growing feeling that, although an undisputed club legend, he will be removed from his post this summer.

Xabi Alonso is the clear favourite to succeed the Italian and it is understood that he would jump at the chance to coach his former club. In Germany, reports have increasingly suggested that the Spaniard will stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

However, this was based on the assumption that Real Madrid surely would not sack one of the greatest managers in club history. However, after the disaster against Arsenal, this is not only a possibility but almost a certainty.