Following the official confirmation of Ancelotti’s departure, Carlo Ancelotti held a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, scheduled for 16:15. This will be the last league match and likely the final appearance at the Bernabéu for Modrić, Ancelotti, Lucas Vázquez, Vallejo, and possibly others (Modrić and Lucas are expected to play in the Club World Cup in the U.S.).
Ancelotti:
“There was no better way to say goodbye than with all the love I have for my club and that the club has for me.”
“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to coach this club and to become a part of its history.”
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the final league match, which will also be his last game as head coach of Real Madrid. “It’s inevitable to feel that these are special days. It’s my last game, and whenever a chapter comes to a close, there’s a lot of emotion. But I’m not sad—far from it. This is the end of a very important stage. I’ve tried to give everything to this club, and I believe we’ve succeeded,” he said.
Gratitude
“I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with here—my players, the president, the board of directors… We’ve had a great time and I’ve felt a lot of affection. I had the chance to coach spectacular players. Everything has gone well.”
Full Agreement With the Club
“This chapter, which has been quite long, is coming to an end, and it ends on a good note. I’m in full agreement with the club. I’ve never had a disagreement with the president and wasn’t about to start on the last day. I now begin a new stage with the same enthusiasm and energy as when I arrived. It’s been a successful period—we’ve won a lot. Surviving over 700 press conferences with you all (laughs) is another title. We’ve had fun too, but it wasn’t easy—your questions weren’t always nice.”
Farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu
“It’s going to be as it should be—beautiful. These are very emotional days. We’ve managed to build a good working environment thanks to everyone’s efforts—the cooks, the cleaners, everyone. It’s the end of a long season, and four years here is a lot. We’ve all had a good time.”
Emotions at the Goodbye
“I get emotional very quickly, like my father and grandfather did. I have no problem crying if I feel like it—I won’t hide it. It’ll be a beautiful day, and I’ll be sharing it with Modrić, who has been a huge support. He’s a fantastic player and a legend. Saying goodbye alongside him feels right.”
Proud of the Tribute?
“The pride lies in coaching this club, winning titles, and becoming part of its history. That was my goal when I first arrived in 2013. After achieving that, there was no better way to say goodbye than with the love I have for this club and the love the club has for me.”
Best Night at the Bernabéu?
“There were many. It’s hard to choose just one. I think everyone remembers the comebacks against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Those were moments that still defy explanation. I’d pick those, and all the titles and finals we’ve won.”
Next Chapter in Brazil
“It feels amazing. I was very excited, and I had the chance to move on without betraying Real Madrid by going to another club. Instead, I’m joining the national team with the most history in football—the five-time world champions. It’s a huge challenge, and I love the opportunity to prepare a World Cup with Brazil. These are very special days.”
How Would You Like to Be Remembered?
“As a good coach. But time will tell. I still feel a lot of affection, and that makes me happy.”
Returning to Real Madrid Someday?
“You’re asking me things I can’t answer. My relationship with Real Madrid will last forever. I don’t want to coach any other club after this. In the near future, I want to focus on doing well with the Brazil national team.”
Is It Harder to Be a Good Coach or a Good Spokesperson?
“Neither. This is a demanding club—it has to be, because of its history. That level of demand is key to success. But it’s not difficult to manage a dressing room or a club like Real Madrid. You have everything you need to succeed: organization, quality, and a club that’s very well run by a great president.”
How Has Your Football Vision Changed?
“Football has changed a lot in the past 10–20 years. I won my first Champions League in 2003 and the latest in 2024. If I hadn’t adapted, I wouldn’t have won another 21 years later. Having a young, eager, and curious coaching staff has helped me stay updated. I’m a different coach now.”
On Luka Modrić
“The club has everything it needs to remain competitive next year with the new coach and possibly new players. That’s always the goal. Modrić has been a role model. In modern football, there are many talented players, but what sets him apart is that he combines quality with heart. That’s what’s made him a Real Madrid legend. Not everyone can do that.”
On Xabi Alonso
“I don’t want to give advice—everyone has their own football philosophy. What I can say is that it’s a privilege to coach Real Madrid. I wish him all the best—I think he has what it takes to lead this team. I hope he enjoys it.”
Any Regrets?
“No. I know I’ve made plenty of wrong decisions, but I couldn’t tell you which one affected me the most. Nothing has kept me up at night so far.”
What Kind of Coach Are You?
“My work can be judged—that’s no problem. But I’m just a person doing the job of a coach. People may have positive or negative opinions, and that’s okay. But I’d rather be remembered as a good person.”
The End of an Era
“Modrić is one of the last from a golden generation. Only Carvajal remains, but this is the end of a cycle. That doesn’t mean the club has to build a whole new generation—there are players like Camavinga, Rodrygo, and Vinícius who’ve been here a while. Madridistas shouldn’t worry—this club always aims to be at the highest level. Modrić’s career is ending, mine too, and before us it was Kroos, Casemiro, Cristiano, Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Casillas… But Real Madrid remains the best club in the world.”
Squad list for the match Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin y Fran González.
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Vallejo, Fran García, Asencio, Youssef y Jacobo.
Midfielders: Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos y Chema.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Brahim y Gonzalo.
