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Carlo Ancelotti has no plans to leave Real Madrid anytime soon.
The Italian has held the position of head coach since 2021 and has led the Spanish giants to two league titles and two Champions League triumphs in that time.
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Speculation has mounted over Ancelotti’s long term future at the club with the 65-year-old previously tipped for a move into international management with Brazil.
It was believed the move would pave the way for Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But Ancelotti’s recent stance appears to pour cold water on any potential move for Alonso.
That’s because the Italian has expressed a desire to remain at the helm for another four years, in line with Florentino Perez.
The Real Madrid president was re-elected for a fresh four-year term on Sunday – his fifth in succession.
Perez first appointed Ancelotti in 2013 where he steered Madrid to the first of his three Champions League titles at the club.
His re-appointment four years ago has proved to be a masterstroke with Madrid continuing to display their European dominance.
Discussing his future, Ancelotti says he hopes his future is tied to that of the club president.
“I want to be very clear. The date of departure from this club is never going to be decided by me in my life,” Ancelotti said.
“I know perfectly well that it will come one day, but the day is not decided by me. It could be tomorrow or in one or five years.
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“I have the advantage that Florentino will be here for four more years and I have the goal of reaching them with him. We can say goodbye together.”
His comments are at odds with reports that surfaced this week claiming Ancelotti had already communicated his plan to step down as manager at the end of the season, enabling the club to pursue Alonso.
Ahead of Leverkusen’s crunch Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid this week, Alonso was pressed on his future plans.
"Already questions on Real Madrid?" Alonso joked. "Time goes by but the affection remains.
"Our bond is very strong, that is clear, but my total focus is on Bayer Leverkusen now, that's in my mind. I'm calm. I have enough things to worry about, it's not on my mind right now."
Both Ancelotti and Alonso are contracted to their respective clubs until 2026, however the Spaniard is expected to leave his post this summer to seek a new challenge.
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But his next move could hinge on how Real Madrid’s season pans out.
Los Merengues took top spot at the weekend following their comfortable 4-1 win over Las Palmas while Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both dropped points.
Summer signing Kylian Mbappe was on target twice in the victory taking his tally to 17 goals for the season.
The Frenchman appears to be finding his feet in the Spanish capital after a difficult start compounded by a challenging few days in December when he missed penalties in the defeats at Athletic Club and Liverpool leading to a barrage of criticism.
Since the defeat in Bilbao, Mbappe has scored eight goals in ten appearances, helping fire Madrid to the La Liga summit.
“When you see that you have not helped the team it is normal that it impacts you,” Mbappe said on Tuesday. “Playing here (with Madrid) is a great opportunity for me.
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Inside Real Madrid's dressing room celebrations as Carlo Ancelotti gives players a day off after beating Barcelona
“After the match (at Athletic Club) my mentality changed. I couldn’t do any worse.
“When you are a player like me, with everything that was expected of me, it is normal that people talk bad about me.
“I knew I could change the situation and I have changed the situation. I am very happy.”
Mbappe could become the eighth player to reach 75 goal involvements in Champions League history on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid take on RB Salzburg as they look to reach the knockout stage of the competition.
They could, though, have to play in a knockout phase play-off match if they finish between ninth and 24th in the table.
Los Blancos currently sit 20th with nine points from six games.
