Real Madrid's 0-3 defeat against Arsenal on Tuesday has brought back the speculation about the head coach Carlo Ancelotti's future in the club. The Italian is currently facing flack over the club's poor performance in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie, and with Xabi Alonso rumored to be waiting in the wings, the pressure has increased. Ancelotti is under contract with Real Madrid until the summer of 2026, and he informed the media during his pre-match news conference ahead of Sunday's game against Alaves that he does not expect to leave the club before then.
“I shouldn’t talk about things about my future because the contract is quite clear. Whatever it is, it will be talked about at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially in difficult times.” Real Madrid presently stands second in the La Liga table, four points behind champions Barcelona, and trail Arsenal 3-0 following the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.
Real Madrid is desperate Vinicius Junior's return in form
During the press conference, Ancelotti was asked about the problems Vinicius Junior is facing. Since the beginning of February, the 24-year-old has struggled to be efficient in the final third. He scored only three goals and three assists in 17 Real Madrid appearances across all competitions.
Real Madrid is quite desperate for Vinicius to return to form in the final weeks of the season. Ancelotti will hope that the Brazilian's form improves following Sunday's showdown against Alaves. “It’s hard to say. Especially in recent weeks, there has been a general drop, not only in individuals. We’ve conceded a lot in the last few games, and that’s where we have to put a brake. Especially when those at the top are not as effective as usual.”
Ancelotti confirmed an injury boost for Sunday's game against Alaves, with Dani Ceballos returning after missing the previous nine matches in all competitions due to muscular conditions.
