Manager Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026.
MADRID, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid on Friday extended the contract of coach Carlo Ancelotti for two more seasons ending speculation about his future at the club.
The club confirmed on its official website and social media channels that Ancelotti has extended his current deal with the La Liga leaders until the end of June 2026, effectively putting a stop to rumors linking him with the Brazilian national team.
"Real Madrid C. F. and Carlo Ancelotti have agreed to extend our coach's contract until 30 June 2026," confirmed the website, pointing out that in his two spells with the club Ancelotti has led them to "10 trophies: 2 Champions League titles, 2 Club World Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 1 La Liga title, 2 Copa de Rey trophies and 1 Spanish Super Cup."
The new contract was signed after brief talks between the coach and the club, who were anxious to assure the future of the 64-year-old in the face of interest from Brazil.
The move will also end speculation over possible replacements for the Italian if he had decided to leave at the end of the current season.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso was tipped as a possible replacement thanks to his excellent work at Bayer Leverkusen, while Jose Mourinho had also been mentioned as a possible candidate after he confirmed he would be leaving Roma at the end of the campaign.
Ancelotti's first spell at Real Madrid lasted between 2013 and 2015 and saw him win the Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first campaign, before being sacked for his failure to win La Liga in his second season.
He returned to the club in 2021, winning a league and European double in his first season and following it up with the European Supercup and World Club Championship the following year.
The Italian is also credited for helping maintain a good atmosphere in what can be a difficult dressing room and helping develop players such as Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. ■
