Departing Ancelotti has ‘no problem’ with Real Madrid

MADRID: Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday he “has no problem” with Real Madrid ahead of his departure from the club at the end of the season to take over the Brazil national team.

The veteran Italian will become Selecao boss on May 26, the day after Madrid’s last La Liga match of the campaign. The Spanish giants are yet to name a replacement, although Xabi Alonso is a strong favourite to take over after confirming he will leave Bayer Leverkusen.

The Brazilian football federation (CBF) announced Ancelotti’s appointment on Monday, before any official confirmation from Madrid regarding Ancelotti’s departure. “The CBF issued that statement because I’ll be the coach of Brazil from the 26th. Madrid will issue a statement whenever they want, there is no problem,” Ancelotti told reporters on the eve of his team´s match against Real Mallorca.

“I will be the coach of Brazil, which is a challenge, but until then, I’m the coach of Real Madrid and I want to finish in the best possible way. “I’m focused on the final stretch of this spectacular adventure.”

Ancelotti, who has won 15 trophies including three Champions League titles across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu, has endured a difficult final season in charge.

Real’s La Liga title defence has faltered with Barcelona on the cusp of the title, while they also lost the Copa del Rey final to their arch rivals and were humbled in the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal.

“Football, like life, is an adventure that begins and ends,” added the 65-year-old, who also lifted the European Cup twice as AC Milan coach. “I’ve always kept in mind that this would end. I’ve had a great time... but in everything in life there comes a time when it ends.

“My seriousness and professionalism demand that I finish well here... “I’ve never had a problem with the club and I never will.” Madrid’s 4-3 loss to Barcelona on Sunday in El Clasico left them seven points behind Hansi Flick’s side with only three matches remaining.

Barca would secure the title if Madrid fail to defeat Mallorca on Wednesday. “I’ve had a fantastic time here and I want to continue like this for the last two weeks I have left here,” said Ancelotti when asked about criticism from the press over his team’s performances this season.

“I’ve gotten the most out of myself and the titles speak for themselves.” Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, who has been linked with a possible move away from Real Madrid by Spanish media reports, hobbled out of Tuesday’s training session.

“Rodrygo had a fever last week, which prevented him from returning at his best, even though he tried to grit his teeth,” Ancelotti said. “He felt pain in his leg. We need to assess him to see what’s wrong.”

Spanish sports daily Marca claimed Rodrygo wants to leave and refused to come on as a substitute against Barca. “The rest is just speculation,” Ancelotti insisted. “Everyone here has a special affection for Rodrygo, especially me.”