Report: Carlo Ancelotti set to leave early as Real Madrid eye high-profile replacements

Sky Sports reported that Carlo Ancelotti could leave Real Madrid before the end of the season, and the names of two major candidates have started swirling.

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to step down as Real Madrid manager after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, according to Sky Sports News. The news comes just a day after Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League in a 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal in the quarterfinals. While Ancelotti’s contract runs until 2026, the club appears to be preparing for a change on the sidelines.

Across two spells, Ancelotti has led the club to three Champions League titles and secured a league-and-European double on two occasions. However, this season has fallen short of expectations. Madrid trail Barcelona by four points in LaLiga with seven games to go and have not beaten their rivals in any of their meetings this season. Barcelona claimed a 5-2 victory in the Supercopa final in January and won 4-0 in their first LaLiga clash back in October.

This year’s Champions League elimination marks just the third time in 13 seasons that Madrid have failed to reach the semifinals. Speaking to Sky Sports, former club president Ramón Calderón expressed mixed feelings about the situation, saying, “I don’t know if he is willing to stay,” but added that he still hopes Ancelotti remains at the club. Still, speculation has only grown louder around potential replacements, and he mentioned the two names that have been swirling.

According to early reports from Fabrizio Romano, Xabi Alonso was one of the top candidates to replace the Italian. Alonso, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, is seen as a long-term project and a natural return.

Meanwhile, new reports suggest that Klopp is also being considered.The German coach stepped away from management after leaving Liverpool, but according to UOL Esporte, he is open to speaking with Real Madrid about taking over this summer.

Klopp is currently serving as Global Director of Football for Red Bull, but sources close to him suggest he is only considering two destinations if he returns to coaching: the Brazilian national team or Real Madrid.

High-stakes Clasico in the Copa del Rey final

The Copa del Rey final on April 26 now carries added meaning. Not only will it be a shot at silverware for Madrid, it could be Ancelotti’s last game in charge. The Italian hasn’t beaten Barcelona this season, and with another Clásico set for May 11 in LaLiga, the final could shape the tone of his departure.

For Madrid, it’s a chance to reclaim momentum and send a message ahead of a likely managerial shift. With the league still mathematically within reach, the next few weeks will define how Ancelotti’s second stint is remembered.

From: bolavip.com