Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that he almost leaves the Spanish giants, in the midst of intense speculation that he stands in line as the next Brazilian boss.
The 65-year-old Italian is in his second enchantment in Madrid and has won the Champions League five times a record.
But a disappointing campaign sees Los Blancos in second place in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona with only six games left after being dumped by Arsenal from the Champions League.
Ancelotti, who is the only manager who has won the title in all five top European competitions, has been in Madrid since 2021, but has had conversations with intermediaries about becoming the new Brazilian coach.
The 65-year-old is under contract until 2026, but is strongly connected to the Brazilian job after Dorival Junior was fired in the aftermath of the 4-1 humiliation of his country through the hands of Rivals Argentina in the World Cup who qualifies last month.
Diego Fernandes, an influential figure in the sports industry, has been a regular visitor to the Bernabeu in recent weeks and it is said that it has had conversations with Ancelotti and his camp.
Madrid's Champions League -Exit, who saw them losing both legs on the side of Mikel Arteta, has doubted his future in the Bernabeu.
But despite speculation around his approaching departure, Ancelotti said that he was still in the 'honeymoon' phase with Madrid.
“I like to be here and I hope this will take as long as possible,” he said. 'The honeymoon continues. I am very happy, satisfied. There is a lot of pressure, but that is always the case on this point of the season.
'I am happy with the club, they know this has been a difficult season. Stress is fuel – it doesn't bother me, it gives me more energy. '
Despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last season, Madrid's best chance to end the season with silverware in the Copa del Rey.
They are confronted with a high-flying Barcelona, ​​who are still contrary to the Treble, in the Interior Cup final on Saturday.
Ancelotti admitted that the results against their arch rival would determine the success of their season.
“It makes sense that both titles are supplied with the beating of Barcelona,” he added. “That is what we have for us and that is what we have to do. We can achieve it, but it is clear that something has to change. '
Madrid was tipped for success after last season's triumphs and the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, but they did not succeed in replicating their performances that Ancelotti tackled his fifteenth great honor for the Spanish side.
“It could certainly have been better, and I have to accept my responsibility,” said Ancelotti. “Hopefully this consideration, which is correct, will fade into the background at the end of the season.”
Ancelotti, who enjoyed a glittering coaching career with Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton have never managed an international side.
Bayer Leverkusen -Coach Xabi Alonso is a favorite to return to Madrid and Ancelotti in the summer, who won three of his five Champions League titles with the Spanish club.