A day before Real Madrid hosts Red Bull Salzburg (Wednesday at 8:00 PM) in a crucial Champions League group stage match, Carlo Ancelotti reaffirmed his commitment to the Spanish powerhouse.
The Italian coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest tacticians in football history, made it clear that any decision about his future at Real Madrid would not come from him. His candid remarks underscored his deep respect for the club and its leadership while also reflecting his confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges.
During the pre-match press conference, Ancelotti, who is contracted with the "Merengues" until 2026, addressed questions about his potential departure at the end of the season. Calm and composed, the veteran coach dismissed speculation while acknowledging the unpredictability of football. "I want to be very clear: I will never be the one to decide my departure date from this club, never in my life," he stated firmly. "Someday that moment will come, but I don’t know when. It’s not up to me; it could be tomorrow (laughs), in a few games, a year, or five years... Florentino [Pérez, the recently re-elected president] will be here for another four years, and my goal is to last those four years with him (laughs), so we can leave together (laughs)." His humorous approach diffused tension but also conveyed his long-term commitment to Real Madrid’s ambitions.
Shifting focus to the match against Salzburg, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of securing a victory to strengthen their position in the Champions League standings. Real Madrid currently sits in 20th place with nine points, a far cry from their usual dominance in Europe. Meanwhile, Salzburg occupies the bottom position in the group, ranked 32nd with just three points, and has already been eliminated from contention for the knockout stages. Despite the disparity in standings, Ancelotti stressed the need for his players to approach the game with focus and determination, as nothing can be taken for granted at this level of competition.
One of the key topics discussed during the press conference was Kylian Mbappé’s recent self-reflection. The French forward admitted that, during his initial games for Real Madrid, he "overthought on the pitch," but he now feels he has adopted a "different mindset." Ancelotti addressed these remarks with characteristic pragmatism and a touch of humor. "And? He should think less (laughs). In situations like that, you must return to the basics. When a player is unable to show their best version, they complicate plays, and that’s not right. You have to simplify, not complicate," the coach explained.
Ancelotti also provided insight into Mbappé’s evolving role within the team, particularly his interplay with Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior. "I believe that, at the beginning, [Mbappé] swapped positions a bit with Vinícius, but now much less. That wasn’t about trying to improve Mbappé’s performance, which is going well and needs to continue like this. Goals aren’t scored from wide positions; you need more touches. If you play more centrally, you don’t need to touch the ball as much. It’s all about movement and little else," he noted. Ancelotti’s analysis highlights his meticulous approach to optimizing the dynamics between his star players.
Mbappé’s performance this season has been a mixed bag. While he has scored an impressive 18 goals and contributed four assists in 30 matches, his impact has not consistently translated into team success, particularly in the Champions League. Real Madrid’s struggles in the group stage have placed additional pressure on the French striker to deliver in crucial moments. The upcoming match against Salzburg presents an opportunity for Mbappé and his teammates to regain momentum and demonstrate the level of dominance expected of a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
Beyond the immediate challenge of facing Salzburg, Ancelotti’s comments reflect the broader expectations at Real Madrid. The club’s storied history and ambitious vision demand excellence at all times, both on and off the pitch. Ancelotti’s measured responses and commitment to the club’s long-term goals underscore his role as a stabilizing force during a period of transition and uncertainty. As the team prepares for one of the most important matches of their European campaign, Ancelotti’s leadership and tactical expertise will be pivotal in guiding Real Madrid back to the heights they are accustomed to.
With Florentino Pérez recently securing another term as president, Real Madrid’s future appears stable, at least at the administrative level. Ancelotti’s lighthearted remarks about matching Pérez’s tenure reflect his desire to remain a key part of the club’s ongoing journey. However, as the Italian coach himself acknowledged, the unpredictable nature of football means that every game carries significance, and the match against Salzburg is no exception. For Real Madrid, it is not just about securing three points—it is about reaffirming their identity as one of the world’s most formidable footballing institutions.