Madrid, Apr 28 (V7N)- Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid and take charge of the Brazilian national team, according to a report by The Athletic. The veteran manager has reportedly informed players in the Madrid dressing room that he will not be continuing at the Santiago Bernabéu beyond this season.

Ancelotti, who signed a contract extension with Real Madrid in December 2023, was expected to remain at the club until 2026. However, sources from the training ground, speaking anonymously, revealed that the 65-year-old coach plans to step down after completing the current La Liga campaign. He is expected to officially join the Brazilian national team in June, ahead of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The departure has been anticipated for some time, particularly after Real Madrid's defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Ancelotti is also set to skip managing Real Madrid at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Adding another layer to the transition, Carlo’s son, David Ancelotti—currently serving as an assistant coach at Real Madrid—is also interested in moving to Brazil. If he does not secure a head coach role elsewhere, David is likely to continue assisting his father with the Seleção.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has long expressed its desire to appoint Ancelotti. CBF President Edinaldo Rodrigues has described bringing Ancelotti to Brazil as a "presidential dream." Negotiations were reportedly advanced during the Copa del Rey final, with CBF envoy Diego Fernandes attending talks in Seville.

Ancelotti's familiarity with key Brazilian stars like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo is seen as a major advantage. Brazilian fans are hopeful that the "Madrid Don" will restore Brazil’s dominance on the international stage.

With the formal announcement expected soon, it now seems to be only a matter of time before Ancelotti takes the helm of the five-time world champions.

END/MSS/AJ