Carlo Ancelotti faces potential dismissal as pressure mounts on Real Madrid
- Carlo Ancelotti's position as Real Madrid coach is under threat following the team's exit from the Champions League.
- Speculation has grown regarding possible short-term replacements like Raúl González and Santiago Solari.
- Club President Florentino Pérez may reconsider his stance on mid-season coaching changes due to recent performances.
In Spain, Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, finds himself in a precarious position after the team's recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal. This defeat has significantly increased scrutiny on Ancelotti’s management, prompting speculation about his future with the club. Reports have emerged suggesting that he may leave his position following the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, 2025, if the result does not favor Real Madrid. The team’s performance has been underwhelming, currently sitting four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings, which adds to the mounting pressure on Ancelotti. The situation is complicated by the fact that he is under contract until June 2026, yet recent performances have been far from satisfactory, leading to a potential reevaluation by club president Florentino Pérez. The last mid-season change was in 2019 when Zinedine Zidane returned after Santiago Solari's stint. Now, with the elimination from Europe and dissatisfaction within the club's hierarchy, Pérez could be compelled to act to stabilize the team. While the probability of a mid-season coaching change is low, the ongoing struggles may prompt an unexpected decision. Looking ahead, it seems likely that any replacement would be a short-term appointment aimed at seeing the team through to the end of the current La Liga campaign and the upcoming Club World Cup this summer. Immediate prospects for potential successors include Raúl González, Santiago Solari, and Álvaro Arbeloa, with Raúl being positioned as a strong candidate given his existing role as coach of the B-team Castilla. Raúl has a legacy as a captain of Real Madrid and has been able to maintain some stability within the youth ranks. However, tensions between him and Pérez from their playing days might hinder his potential promotion. Solari's past experience as a first-team coach could also serve him well, indicating he is prepared for the demands of the role. Meanwhile, Arbeloa is gaining support due to his recent successes with youth squads, yet he remains a less likely option. The impending decisions surrounding Ancelotti's future and potential coaching changes will have significant ramifications for Real Madrid as they aim to reclaim their standing in both domestic and international competitions.