Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to engage in the fierce battle between Real Madrid and the Brazilian Football Confederation, as the latter seeks to secure the coach's services, which means the Italian may not reveal his plans until the end of the season. Ancelotti, who appeared visibly annoyed, responded during a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against Napoli, to a question about whether he would stay at the club for another season: "I will give you the opportunity to ask another question. I say it again, I am not talking about my future."
With his contract ending at the close of the current European season and Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues making confident statements regarding hiring the 64-year-old Italian, Real Madrid is making every effort to retain the only coach to win titles in all five major leagues in Europe. An official at the club confirmed to Reuters that president Florentino Pérez is considering making an offer to extend Ancelotti's contract, while the director of the Brazilian federation told Reuters they expect him to be with them at the Copa América next year in the United States.
The Brazilian federation anticipates a formal signing with Ancelotti by mid-January, which would nullify the option to extend his contract with Real Madrid for another year, stating that they have "legal guarantees" to protect their interests should the deal collapse.
Real Madrid enters its Champions League match against Napoli amidst many injuries, but coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that his team has proven to be strong enough to handle these challenges. The list of injured players includes Aurelien Tchouaméni, Vinícius Júnior, and Eduardo Camavinga, while Luka Modrić's participation is uncertain after he exited injured in the 3-0 win against Cádiz on Sunday.
Ancelotti told the press, "Talking too much about the issues we are facing and the absences, I think that is disrespectful to the players who will participate in the match. They help the team beyond expectations. We played well despite all these problems. We have a very strong team."
One of the standout players recently has been goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, as Thibaut Courtois is out for an extended period, and his replacement, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has missed the last three matches due to injury. Ancelotti is pleased with the strong competition in this position.
The coach said, "For the goalkeeper (Lunin), tomorrow (Wednesday) will not be his last match. The day Kepa returns, he will compete with Lunin, and that is what Lunin has earned through his very good performance. Competition is good. We have two goalkeepers at a very high level."
Jude Bellingham has scored three goals in his three Champions League matches this season, adding to his 11 goals in La Liga over 12 matches, and Ancelotti praised the 20-year-old former Borussia Dortmund player. The Italian coach stated, "English players have sometimes had difficulties adapting to Spanish football. Bellingham is a mature and wonderful player who adapts to any country in the world."
Ancelotti's team has already secured qualification for the knockout stages after four wins in four Champions League matches and needs just one point against Napoli on Wednesday, who lost 3-2 to Real Madrid in Italy, to guarantee top spot in the group. Ancelotti said, "Tomorrow's match allows us to finish the group stage in which we have done very well so far. The first leg was balanced. I think tomorrow's match will be similar. Their counterattacks are dangerous with (Victor) Osimhen and (Khvicha) Kvaratskhelia."
