“I don’t have an expiration date” - Carlo Ancelotti makes big admission on Real Madrid future

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he would like to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time. The Italian manager is in his second stint with Los Blancos and has taken them to the pinnacle of success.

Ancelotti first took charge of the La Liga champions in the summer of 2013. Fresh off winning the Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the Italian was identified as the ideal replacement for Jose Mourinho.

Ancelotti went on to win the Champions League, Copa del Rey and a host of other trophies with Real Madrid. However, his failure to win the league in two campaigns ultimately cost him the job.

Los Blancos took the difficult decision of parting ways with the Italian in the summer of 2015. The legendary manager left the club with a 74.79% win ratio, the highest of his career.

After stints with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton, Ancelotti returned for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2021. Since then, he has completed the league and Champions League double on two occasions while also winning multiple other trophies.

The 65-year-old was heavily linked with the hot seat at the Brazil national team in the summer of 2023. However, he went on to sign a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu last December.

Ancelotti recently spoke fondly about his time with the Spanish champions, saying (via Madrid Xtra)

"Being here at Real Madrid, the best club in the world, is something special. I would love to stay here at Real Madrid for many more years. I don't have an expiration date," said Ancelotti.

The Italian's contract at the club expires in 2026.

Have Real Madrid already identified Carlo Ancelotti's replacement?

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement, according to Sport Bild. The Spanish manager helped Bayer Leverkusen win a historic Bundesliga title last season while spending the entire domestic campaign unbeaten.

Alonso was heavily linked with top clubs in Europe this summer but opted to stay at the BayArena. However, this could be his last season with the German champions as the club braces for a shake-up of their squad in 2025.

Alonso spent five seasons with Los Blancos and is well aware of the rigors of the club. Ancelotti, as such, may have to vacate his position at the end of this season if Madrid opts to bring Alonso to the Spanish capital. The Italian could consider a national team role or look at a move to Saudi Arabia.