Brazil eye Ancelotti before Club World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid, with the Brazil manager job being his most likely destination.

According to multiple reports, it is only a matter of when the Italian departs, as the ‘Canarinha’ are pushing to bring him before the Club World Cup in June.

Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid is said to be only a matter of time now. ‘The Athletic’, ‘Relevo’ and Fabrizio Romano have all confirmed that the Italian manager is expected to no longer be the head coach for the upcoming season, with his next destination seemingly lying with international football.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and trailing seven points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga, Ancelotti’s position as manager of the Madrid outfit has been a big talking point in recent weeks. When asked whether he would continue at Real Madrid ahead of Sunday night’s clash against Athletic Club, Ancelotti’s “I don’t know” only served to hint at his future steps.

In fact, it is not whether Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid, but rather when. The 65-year-old is said to have plenty of options available, including staying with ‘Los Blancos’ in a non-coaching role, but his preference lies with Brazil. Reports linking the Italy international with the ‘Canarinha’ emerged following Dorival Junior’s sacking in March, but advanced talks have since taken place between the two parties.

According to the sources mentioned above, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) are pushing to bring Ancelotti before the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14. It is understood that a concrete decision between Real Madrid and the former AC Milan boss will take place following the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26.

Xabi Alonso at the top of the list
Should there be a change in the Madrid dugout, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso has already been targeted as the main priority for the ‘Merengues’. If the former midfielder decided to leave Germany, the Bundesliga side would not stand in his way, especially after he already turned down approaches from the Premier League and Bayern Munich last season.