Announced as heading to Brazil, where he had reached an agreement with the Federation’s officials following the Copa del Rey failure, Carlo Ancelotti turned the situation upside down on Tuesday evening by saying no.
Clearly, the end of the season at Real Madrid continues to deliver its fair share of surprises. With injuries piling up in defence (all the starting players from the beginning of the season are ruled out for the final five La Liga matches), Florentino Pérez’s club is looking to bounce back. Eager to shake things up, Los Blancos want to bring Xabi Alonso back to lead the team. Since Sunday evening, Fabrizio Romano and several reliable sources had reported that Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to Brazil was all but confirmed, with negotiations intensifying after Real Madrid’s defeat to Barça in the Copa del Rey final.
The twist in the tale
While the signing of the contract between the Italian coach and the Brazilian national team was expected, a bombshell dropped. According to the same sources close to the matter, Florentino Pérez was reportedly unhappy with the timing of the negotiations between Brazil and Ancelotti, and therefore refused to facilitate the process. At the same time, Marca reports that it was actually the Madrid coach who derailed the talks for three main reasons: the challenges of life in Brazil, and the fact that those close to him do not want him to move there.
Another key reason is the instability within the Brazilian Football Federation. Aware that the Seleção is no ordinary national team and that there is immense pressure surrounding it due to recent underwhelming results, Carlo Ancelotti preferred to slow things down by requesting to take charge in August — a proposal that did not sit well with the president of the Brazilian Football Federation, who wants the deal signed this May.
The Saudi offer that strengthens Ancelotti’s stance
Amid all the confusion, with many wondering what might happen if Ancelotti does not leave for Brazil, Saudi Arabia has made its move. Always on the lookout for big names, the Saudi Public Investment Fund — which has been making headlines for several years now — is said to have made contact with the entourage of the Madrid coach. According to Relevo, Al Hilal, the country’s legendary club where Neymar once played, has reportedly offered the Italian manager a salary of €50 million per year.
With such a huge amount — far higher than what Brazil has put on the table — Carlo Ancelotti could well see himself staying at Real Madrid a while longer, notably to take part in the upcoming Club World Cup. According to revelations from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are indeed expected to part ways with the Italian coach. But following the breakdown of talks with Brazil, Carletto could remain until July — that is, after the Club World Cup.
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