Carlo Ancelotti makes stance on Real Madrid stay abundantly clear
By Tom Gott
Carlo Ancelotti says that "without a doubt" he will remain manager of Real Madrid next season out of respect for his contract.
The Italian has been publicly targeted by Brazil, who are looking for a new boss following Tite's departure in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup, but Ancelotti has always tried to distance himself from departing the Bernabeu.
90min reported in March that Real Madrid were yet to make a decision on Ancelotti's future beyond this season, leaving Brazil waiting in their pursuit of the manager, but the latest quotes from the former Chelsea, AC Milan and Juventus boss suggest he's going absolutely nowhere.
"I think so," Ancelotti said when asked if he still retained the support of the hierarchy in Madrid. "The president has always been very affectionate with me and he still is.
"We have to look forward. We will be here next season without a doubt because we are going to respect the contract."
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The defiant stance comes shortly after Ancelotti dismissed speculation that he could return to Chelsea to replace the recently sacked Graham Potter.
"I'm sad. I have fantastic memories of my time at the club. I spent two very good years there," he said before the recent 2-0 victory over the Blues. "I won't return there. I think [Frank] Lampard will do a very good job."
90min understands Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains an enormous fan of Ancelotti but is prepared to consider the club's future at the end of the season, particularly with Los Blancos struggling to challenge Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
However, such is the admiration of the Italian that he is likely to remain at the Bernabeu if he chooses to do so - particularly if the club go on to win yet another Champions League - and Ancelotti appears to have made his feelings abundantly clear.
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