Real Madrid’s Club World Cup victory lifted some much needed pressure off of Carlo Ancelotti’s shoulders. Coming into the tournament, there were serious question marks over the future of the Italian manager, as the club had recently lost the Spanish Super Cup final at the hands of Barcelona in convincing fashion and also fallen 8 points behind them in the La Liga title race.
Some rumours even suggested that Real Madrid would consider a change in the managerial hot seat, if they failed to win the Club World Cup. Fortunately, it did not come down to that, as a 5-3 win over Al-Hilal in the final secured silverware for Los Blancos.
On the other hand, there have also been some rumours recently that Ancelotti was open to leaving Real Madrid at the end of this campaign and taking up the Brazil national team job. His current deal runs until 2024. But, it looks like the Italian manager is only focused on the job at hand and has no plans of leaving just yet.
As reported by GOAL, Ancelotti told reporters after the Club World Cup final victory over Al-Hilal:
"“I’m not leaving here until they kick me out.”"
Ancelotti rubbishes latest Real Madrid rumour
Things change very quickly in football, especially at clubs like Real Madrid, where the expectation is to win every game. But one has to remember that Ancelotti overdelivered on expectations when he guided Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga double last season.
Also, one cannot overlook the lack of depth and the number of injuries in the team. Any manager would struggle under these circumstances.
If Real Madrid finish the season without winning any of the three major trophies, then there is a good possibility that Ancelotti would be shown the exit door. But the Italian manager certainly has not been dealt the best hand this season.