Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti refused to rule out a move to the Brazil national team next summer and suggested his future would be clarified “soon”.
Ancelotti, whose contract at Real Madrid runs out in June 2024, insisted he remained happy at the Bernabeu — but added that it was an honour to be linked with a move to the South American nation.
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The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, admitted earlier this year that Ancelotti would be an obvious choice for the role, while players from the national team and Madrid stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior have also given their backing to the Italian.
Fluminense boss Fernando Deniz is currently the interim manager of Brazil, who parted company with Tite after the World Cup last year — with plans to appoint a long-term successor ahead of next summer.
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“I don’t think anything about it,” Ancelotti — speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Cadiz — told reporters on Saturday, when asked about Brazil.
“I’m proud that one of the best international teams in the world like Brazil is linked to me, that gives me a lot of pride. But I have a contract (at Real Madrid) until 30 June.”
When pressed on his future beyond this season, Ancelotti added: “I repeat, my future will soon be known. I am here for at least six more months.
“Am I waiting until the last day of my contract for a renewal offer from Real Madrid? Yes.”
Ancelotti has also been praised by his former Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso, currently excelling as Bayer Leverkusen boss, who described the Italian as “the master”.
Ancelotti gave his backing for former Liverpool star Alonso to one day manage the Spanish giants, saying of Alonso: “I think I’ve had a great time with him. He is having a fantastic career.
“He has the knowledge of football, he has the personality. I really like the way his team plays as a coach.
“He’s one of the coaches I like the most, yes. I like Thiago Motta as well. Obviously Xabi can have the profile to be coach of Madrid, obviously because he knows the club very well.”
Former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho recently called on Ancelotti, with whom he shares a close friendship, to remain at the Bernabeu beyond this season if he has that option.
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“When you have a super coach (Carlo), why would you think about another?” Mourinho said. “I know (president) Florentino (Perez). He’s a super smart guy with clear ideas.
“As a Madridista and an ‘Ancelottista’ (Ancelotti fan), I hope they have a fantastic season and that Carlo stays because he is the perfect coach for Real. Only a madman like me can leave Real against the club’s desire. I left despite them wanting me to stay. I’m sure that Ancelotti will stay at the first sign he gets from Don Florentino.”
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(Photo: Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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