Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted on Tuesday to having had advanced contacts with the Brazilian Confederation (CBF) to take charge of the Seleçao, but said he was “very happy” to have finally extended his lease with the Spanish club until June 2026. “Everyone knows that I had contact with the president of the Brazilian federation at the time, Ednaldo Rodrigues. I want to thank him for the affection and interest he showed towards me,” declared the 64-year-old technician, during a press conference on the eve of the match against Mallorca, counting for the 19th day of the championship.
Tipped to become Brazil coach, Ancelotti ultimately chose to stay at the helm of the club, currently co-leader of La Liga and 14 times European champion, with which he was under contract until June 2024. “Carletto” stressed that he was “very happy to be able to stay two more years in Madrid”, explaining that negotiations with the CBF took a different turn when Ednaldo Rodrigues was removed as president in December, after a Rio court ruled that an agreement between the club and the public prosecutor’s office which had allowed his election was invalid.
“He is no longer president and things happened as I wanted because I can stay here,” added the Italian technician, for whom the doors of the Seleçao have no guarantee of reopening in the future: “I don’t know if they will want me in 2026 and I don’t know if they will be happy with this decision.” As for his extension with the Merengue, Ancelotti attributed it to the fact that the club “is satisfied with the work” accomplished with its staff and did not rule out the possibility of continuing the Madrid adventure beyond the new contract.
“In 2026, depending on my results, I may still be there. I want to be the coach of Madrid (…) and I hope to be able to continue to be in 2027 and 2028 because I want to stay here,” assured the Italian technician who returned in 2021 to the “white house” after a first experience between 2013 and 2015, and who has two Champions Leagues as well as a La Liga title at the head of this team.