Carlo Ancelotti has brought an end to his second stint as coach of Real Madrid, a farewell that comes after four years of intense emotions and significant achievements. In an open letter, the Italian coach expressed his gratitude to the club, his players, and above all, to the fans who always supported him. "This club is not just history, it is demand, it is greatness, it is a family", Ancelotti wrote, making clear the deep bond he has forged with the white entity.
Since his return to the Santiago Bernabéu bench in 2021, Ancelotti has been the architect of memorable moments, including the club's 14th Champions League, a feat that will forever be remembered in Madrid's history. However, his last season has been marked by disappointment and a lack of major titles, leading many to question the continuity of the project.
The relationship between Ancelotti and the club has been complex. After his first stint, which culminated in the conquest of the Decima in 2014, the Italian returned at a time when the club was seeking stability following Zinedine Zidane's departure. However, despite the successes, the shadow of the lack of titles in his fourth season has left a bittersweet taste.
President Florentino Pérez also bid farewell to Ancelotti with words of gratitude, highlighting his contribution to the club and his representation of Madrid's values. "Carlo Ancelotti is now forever part of the great Madrid family", Pérez stated, although many fans wonder if his legacy will be enough to forget recent frustrations.
The 2024-2025 season reflected the difficulties the team faced. Despite a promising start, Real Madrid was overtaken in La Liga by a FC Barcelona that displayed a solidity the white team could not match. The defeat in the clásico, marked by the famous Kessié goal, was a turning point that left Madrid 12 points behind the leader, an insurmountable wall in the final stretch of the championship.
The departure of Toni Kroos and the lack of a top-level striker following Benzema's exit further complicated the situation. Ancelotti tried to reinvent his team, transforming Bellingham into a goalscorer, but the lack of alternatives and injuries in defense were a burden the coach could not overcome.
The affection of the players towards Ancelotti was evident in their farewells on social media, where many expressed their gratitude for the moments lived together. Vinícius, in particular, dedicated an emotional message: "Thank you, mister. For so much. YOU ARE THE BEST". However, the question that remains is whether the club will be able to find a successor who can lead Real Madrid back to the path of success.
With his departure, Ancelotti leaves a legacy of 15 titles, but also a sense that the club needs a change of cycle. The Madrid fans hope that the next coach can return the team to the top of European football, a challenge that will undoubtedly be monumental.