Carlo Ancelotti Stays Silent on Future, Focuses on Crucial El Clasico Showdown

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to remain tight-lipped about his future at the club, redirecting attention instead toward preparing his squad for a high-stakes El Clasico clash against Barcelona this Sunday, May 11, 2025. With the La Liga title race heating up, Madrid sits four points behind their eternal rivals.

Victory in this weekend’s encounter is essential to keep their championship hopes alive. Ancelotti, currently under contract until the end of next season, has been linked with a possible move to manage the Brazilian national team.

Yet, the veteran coach downplayed any speculation and focused on the task at hand. He also acknowledged the buzz around Xabi Alonso as a potential successor.

“I read that Xabi might leave Leverkusen — he’s done a fantastic job there,” said Ancelotti. “He deserves a chance at a big club because he’s proven himself as one of the best coaches in the world.”

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/manchester-united-matheus-cunha-transfer-update Speaking fondly about his time at Real Madrid, Ancelotti described his relationship with the club as an eternal honeymoon.

Across two managerial spells totaling six seasons, the 65-year-old has developed a deep emotional connection to Los Blancos. “This honeymoon will never end.

Madrid, like Milan once was, is a team that stays with you,” he said. Looking ahead to the El Clasico, Ancelotti stressed the need for a flawless performance to outmaneuver a dominant Barcelona.

“In games like this, everything must be done right. Barcelona are aggressive, but no team is perfect,” he noted.

“We need to defend and attack with intelligence. Motivation won’t be an issue — El Clasico inspires the players on its own.”

On the other side, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed that his squad has put their Champions League defeat to Inter Milan behind them and is fully focused on the Spanish derby. “We’re in good spirits,” said Flick.

“After Milan, it wasn’t easy, but now it’s time to bounce back. We must play with confidence and control.”

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/manchester-united-agree-victor-osimhen-transfer-napoli The match, set to unfold in the historic rivalry's 261st chapter, is expected to have title-defining implications.

With Madrid holding 105 victories and Barcelona close behind at 103 from past meetings, Sunday’s El Clasico promises yet another fierce battle between football’s most iconic adversaries.