Ancelotti appeared at his final pre-match press conference as Real Madrid’s manager ahead of the team’s home match against Real Sociedad. He expressed gratitude and offered his best wishes to Xabi Alonso, who is set to succeed him.
How special is tomorrow’s match?
Very special, inevitably so—it’s my final match. When a chapter comes to an end, it’s always emotional. That’s what I’m going through now, but I’m not sad—on the contrary, I’m very happy. I’ve done my best, and I’m leaving feeling satisfied because this moment had to come sooner or later. I’m grateful to everyone I’ve worked with: the players, the club, the president… we’ve had a great time together.
I’m extremely thankful for the chance to coach these incredible players. It’s been a long time, but it ends well. I never had a single argument with the president—and I never will, not even on the final day. Everything is fine. A new chapter is beginning, and I’m moving on with the same passion I had when I first arrived.
It’s been a successful spell—we’ve won many titles. And I’d say enduring over 700 press conferences is a success in itself (laughs). We’ve had good relations, though it hasn’t always been easy—some of those questions weren’t exactly friendly!
How are you spending today? What do you expect from tomorrow’s farewell?
Just like any other day. Tomorrow will be a great tribute. As I said, these are emotional days—talking with the players and so many people… I’ve always had a great relationship with everyone here. I’m thankful for the atmosphere, even for the chefs who made me carbonara before matches. I appreciate everyone. These days are special, but I haven’t done anything out of the ordinary.
Will tomorrow be your most emotional day at the Bernabéu?
Yes, I’m someone who gets emotional easily. It will definitely be a moving day. If I cry, that’s okay—it’ll be something beautiful. I’ve shared a lot with Modrić during my time here. He’s supported me a lot. He’s a great person, and it’s special to say goodbye alongside him.
You’re getting an official farewell—rare at Real Madrid…
It’s been an honor to coach this club. The achievements since 2013 speak for themselves. I want to leave with the love I have for this club.
Any advice for future Real Madrid coaches?
I don’t want to give advice—everyone has their own approach. I just hope they enjoy their time here. Xabi Alonso will be the first among them, and I wish him all the best. He has the ability to coach Real Madrid. I hope he enjoys it—that’s all I want to say.
What was your best night at the Bernabéu?
Too many! But I’d say the comebacks—those remain a mystery even now. The nights we came back against PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea—I’ll never forget them.
How do you feel about moving to the Brazil national team after leaving Real Madrid?
Great. I get to coach a team without betraying Real Madrid—and it’s the most successful national team in history. It’s a huge challenge, but I’m very excited about leading Brazil into the World Cup.
How do you want to be remembered at Real Madrid?
Hopefully as a good coach—but that’s up to time to decide. Even though I’m leaving, I still feel so much love. That makes me happy and grateful.
If you ever leave Brazil, would you return to Real Madrid?
Hard to say (laughs). After leaving Real Madrid, I had no desire to coach another club—and I still feel that way. As for the future… I don’t know. For now, my focus is on finishing strong at Madrid.
What do you think of how football has evolved in recent years?
It’s changed a lot. If I hadn’t adapted, I wouldn’t have won more Champions Leagues. My younger, passionate coaching staff helped me grow. Preparing for a game now involves way more analysis than before—things that weren’t even considered 20 years ago are now crucial. I’ve evolved. I’m not the same person I was in 1995 or 2013.
What changes do you think the team needs now?
I don’t know, and I don’t want to get involved. The club has the tools to build a competitive team for next season—that’s always the goal. Tomorrow I’ll say goodbye alongside Modrić—he’s a role model. Having a player like him is every coach’s dream. There are lots of talented players, but he combines talent with character. That’s what makes him a legend—without both, you’re just an ordinary player.
Any regrets from your six seasons at Madrid?
No, not really (laughs). I’ve made a lot of mistakes—too many to count. But none that haunt me. Nothing that keeps me up at night.
How do you want people to see you as a coach?
I don’t know. My work is there to be judged—that’s fine. But I don’t think of myself as a “coach”—just someone who did the job. Some might think I did well, some might not—that’s okay. But I hope no one sees me as a bad person.
Do you think this marks the end of an era?
Some might say that with Modrić leaving, the golden generation is over—even though Carvajal is still here. But like everything in life, every generation must come to an end. Casemiro, Cristiano… many have already gone. But Real Madrid lives on, and it’s still the best club in the world.