Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called for patience amid growing speculation over his future, assuring that clarity will come at season’s end as he aims to steady the ship following a humbling Champions League defeat to Arsenal.
The 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg loss on Tuesday has intensified scrutiny on Ancelotti, who has come under fire for his team’s lackluster display.
The Italian manager remains under contract with the club until the end of next season.
“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,” Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.
“The club always supports me, especially in difficult moments.”
With a three-goal deficit to overturn at home on Wednesday, Ancelotti believes his side can mount a comeback.
“Every defeat is always the same. When you lose, it’s a difficult time. You have to think about how to bounce back. Concentrate. But, fortunately, football is like that … after a defeat, there comes an opportunity,” he said.
“We’ll try, we’ll try. The truth is that Real Madrid is the only one that has done it many times. We will try until the last minute. Until the last action. Starting tomorrow.”
He admitted Arsenal were the better team at Emirates Stadium.
“Against Arsenal we did less in all aspects – total distance, sprint numbers … everything,” he said. “They worked harder.”
Real, sitting second in La Liga on 63 points – four behind leaders Barcelona with eight games remaining – will be desperate for victory at lowly Alaves on Sunday.
“Everyone is thinking about Wednesday, but everything depends on tomorrow’s performance. Because we are still in the fight for the league. We need to play well and win,” Ancelotti said. “It’s fundamental to recover the good feelings.”