Carlo Ancelotti says UEFA Champions League exit to Arsenal influenced Real Madrid departure – ‘The team wasn't in good shape’
By James Hilsum
Published 30/05/2025 at 12:34 GMT+1
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Carlo Ancelotti explained the moment when he and club executives realised that a parting of ways would be best. The UEFA Champions League loss to Arsenal proved to be the watershed moment, as Real Madrid's defence of the trophy came to an end. The Italian is now ready to embark on his first international management role with Brazil, after previously serving as Arrigo Sacchi's assistant with Italy.
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Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final exit accelerated the decision to part ways with the club.
Los Blancos were comprehensively beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal, whose run in the competition would be ended by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
The Italian ended his second spell in charge at the Bernabeu on May 24 with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad, as himself and legendary midfielder Luka Modric made their farewells to the crowd.
Ancelotti reflected on a difficult final season in charge, as the club relinquished their domestic and European titles.
He told Marca: "The results haven't been what we expected. The team's play wasn't great either. It was time to do something.
"After the tie against Arsenal, we talked about it and decided. It was something we could see coming.
"The team wasn't in good shape, and that's when we all realised it was best for Real Madrid to search (for a new coach) and for me to look at Brazil."
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Speaking about his farewell, he added: "It was very emotional. Everything. The truth is that these were days filled with a lot of emotion.
"It's been four wonderful years, and I've felt the affection and respect from everyone at every moment.
"Saturday at the Bernabeu is unforgettable, with the fans, the players, the staff. Also with the directors, with Florentino, who was very affectionate at the farewell."
Ancelotti is replaced in the dugout by former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso, who leaves Bayer Leverkusen after guiding the club to an historic first Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 campaign.
The 65-year-old believes there is no-one better for the job than a man who spent five trophy-laden years at the club.
"We've talked. He's done an incredible job at Bayer Leverkusen," Ancelotti said.
"He doesn't need my advice because he knows the club perfectly. He was a natural choice. He's going to do a great job at Real Madrid."
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Ancelotti's next challenge will be to secure a record-extending sixth World Cup title for Brazil, taking charge for the first time in a qualifier against Ecuador on June 6.
This is a side in the doldrums after a largely unconvincing qualifying campaign and one still reeling from a chastening 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Argentina in March, but Ancelotti is targeting glory in next year’s finals.
"The national team is different from a club. I had the experience as [Arrigo] Sacchi's assistant [with the Italy national team]," he continued.
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"Brazil has to be behind the national team, so the players feel supported, they have to be humble and stand by their teammates. Without humility, there's not much you can do.
"A World Cup is different from any club title. It's a feeling with a country behind it, and that's why it always caught my attention.
"I'm here to make Brazil champions again; I accept that and I'm convinced we can achieve it."
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