Former Real Madrid player and sporting director Predrag Mijatović has called for the departure of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, asserting that the club requires fresh leadership to maintain its competitive edge.
Mijatović, who was instrumental in Real Madrid’s 1998 UEFA Champions League victory, acknowledged Ancelotti’s impressive achievements but emphasized the necessity for change. “I believe that, regardless of how this season ends, Ancelotti should leave Real Madrid,” Mijatović stated. “He’s been here for too long and has won so many titles. Now it’s hard for him to bring anything more, anything new, anything revolutionary.”
This sentiment emerges despite Ancelotti’s recent successes, including a decisive 3-1 victory over Manchester City on February 19, 2025, propelling Real Madrid into the Champions League’s last 16. Ancelotti praised striker Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick in that match, suggesting Mbappé has the potential to reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s level.
Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid in 2021, extended his contract until June 2026.
His tenure has been marked by significant silverware, including multiple Champions League titles and domestic league successes. However, Mijatović contends that the club’s evolution necessitates new ideas and strategies.
The debate over Ancelotti’s future is intensifying, with reports suggesting that Real Madrid is considering potential successors. Names like Andoni Iraola, currently at Bournemouth, have surfaced as possible candidates.
As Real Madrid continues its pursuit of domestic and European glory, the club’s leadership faces critical decisions regarding its managerial direction, balancing the value of Ancelotti’s experience against the potential benefits of new leadership.
