Ancelotti breaks silence on Real Madrid exit rumours amid the Brazil job

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied claims that he is close to leaving the Spanish giants amid intense speculation that he is being lined up to be the next Brazil boss.

The 65-year-old Italian is in his second spell at Madrid and has won the Champions League a record five times.

But a disappointing campaign sees Los Blancos sitting in second place in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona with just six games left, having been dumped out of the Champions League by Arsenal.

Ancelotti, who is the only manager to have won the title in all five top European leagues, has been at Madrid since 2021 but has held talks with intermediaries over becoming the new Brazil coach.

The 65-year-old is under contract until 2026 but is being strongly linked with the Brazil job after Dorival Junior was sacked in the wake of his country’s 4-1 humiliation at the hands of rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying last month.

Diego Fernandes, an influential figure in the sports industry, has been a regular visitor to the Bernabeu in recent weeks and is said to have held talks with Ancelotti and his camp.

Madrid's Champions League exit, which saw them lose both legs to Mikel Arteta's side, has cast doubt on his future at the Bernabeu.

But despite speculation surrounding his impending departure, Ancelotti said he was still in the 'honeymoon' phase with Madrid.

'I love being here and I hope this will last as long as possible,' he said. 'The honeymoon continues. I'm very happy, contented. There is a lot of pressure, true, but that is always the case at this point of the season.

'I'm happy with the club, they know this has been a tough season. Stress is fuel – it doesn't bother me, it gives me more energy.'

Despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last season, Madrid's best chance of ending the season with silverware comes in the Copa del Rey.

They face high-flying Barcelona, who are still in contention for the treble, in the domestic cup final on Saturday.

Ancelotti admitted that results against their arch-rival would determine their season's success.

'It's logical that both titles come with beating Barcelona,' he added. 'That's what we have ahead of us and that's what we have to do. We can achieve it but it's clear that something needs to change.'

Madrid were tipped for success after last season's triumphs and the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, but they have failed to replicate their performances which saw Ancelotti pick up his fifteenth major honour for the Spanish side.

'It could have been better, for sure, and I have to accept my responsibility,' Ancelotti said. 'Hopefully, at the end of the season, this consideration, which may be correct, will fade into the background.'

Ancelotti, who has enjoyed a glittering coaching career at Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton has never managed an international side..

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is favourite to return to Madrid in the summer and replace Ancelotti, who has won three of his five Champions League titles with the Spanish club.