Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has firmly denied reports of internal conflict within the squad following the team’s unexpected Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal. The Italian tactician, who is under increased scrutiny after the European defeat, insists that there is no truth to claims of discontent in the dressing room or a fallout with club president Florentino Perez.
Reports of Dressing Room Tension Surface
Spanish outlet Relevo sparked speculation earlier this week when it reported growing distrust between Ancelotti and several senior players. According to the publication, discontent over the manager’s tactics — particularly in the two-legged clash against Arsenal — prompted some members of the squad to voice concerns directly to club president Perez.
Real Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League after suffering a 2-1 aggregate defeat to the Premier League side, a result that many fans and pundits considered below the club’s expectations given their pedigree in Europe’s top competition.
The report further alleged that key players questioned Ancelotti’s game management and substitutions, especially in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, where the team struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Ancelotti Responds: “We’re All On the Same Page”
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture, Ancelotti categorically denied any rift between himself, the players, or the club hierarchy.
“I’ve spoken with the players and the club. We’re on the same page,” Ancelotti said.
“We’re all hurt by the Champions League exit, of course — but these are things that happen in football. You can’t always win.”
The 65-year-old continued by rubbishing any notion of disunity between him and Florentino Perez, labelling such claims as “false.”
“We haven’t had any clash with the president because we’re always in the same boat,” he added.
“Anyone who talks about a clash with the president isn’t telling the truth.”
Ancelotti emphasised that while the team was disappointed by the European result, the focus has shifted to finishing the domestic season strongly.
Madrid Still In La Liga and Copa del Rey Hunt
Despite their Champions League disappointment, Los Blancos remain firmly in contention for domestic silverware. They are currently battling Barcelona and Girona at the top of the La Liga table and are set to feature in the Copa del Rey final later this month.
Ancelotti’s ability to rally his squad after European setbacks has never been in doubt, and the coming weeks will serve as a critical litmus test for both his tactical acumen and leadership in Madrid’s high-pressure environment.
However, speculation remains that if the club fails to secure either the La Liga title or the Copa del Rey, Ancelotti’s tenure could come to an end this summer. The manager’s current contract runs until 2026, but Real Madrid are no strangers to making high-profile managerial changes when expectations aren’t met.
Club Officials Maintain Public Silence
So far, Real Madrid’s top brass — including Florentino Perez — have refrained from commenting publicly on the rumours or Ancelotti’s future. Sources close to the club suggest that while Perez is disappointed with the Champions League performance, he still retains respect for Ancelotti’s achievements, including delivering La Liga and Champions League titles during his current spell.
Still, whispers of potential successors have begun to surface in Spanish media, with names such as Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, and Zinedine Zidane — who won three Champions League titles with Madrid — being mentioned as possible options.
Dressing Room Stands Behind Ancelotti
Several senior players, speaking on condition of anonymity to Spanish sports dailies, reportedly supported Ancelotti’s stance and dismissed suggestions of discontent.
According to Marca, one veteran player was quoted saying, “The atmosphere is tense because of the loss, but there is no mutiny. We’ve lost as a team, and we’ll fight to end the season strong.”
Another added, “These rumours hurt us more than the loss. We stand with the manager. He’s been honest with us, and we respect that.”
Focus Turns to Domestic Goals
With just a few weeks left in the season, Ancelotti will be hoping to drown out the noise and lead his side to domestic glory. Real Madrid’s next challenge comes in La Liga where every match now feels like a must-win encounter.
“The focus is on what we can still achieve,” Ancelotti said.
“The players are motivated, the staff is united, and the fans are always behind us. We’re determined to finish strong.”
The Italian manager, one of the most successful in football history, is no stranger to pressure and media speculation. Having coached some of the biggest clubs in the world, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and PSG, Ancelotti is experienced in navigating turbulent waters.
What Lies Ahead
As the season draws to a close, Real Madrid’s fate — and Ancelotti’s future — could rest on their ability to clinch La Liga or lift the Copa del Rey trophy. Anything short of that might open the door to managerial change at the Santiago Bernabéu.
For now, Ancelotti remains focused on the task at hand.
“We know what this club demands,” he concluded.
“We accept that pressure. We still have trophies to play for, and we’ll give everything to bring them home.”
