Reports circulating suggest that Carlo Ancelotti is planning to leave his position as manager of Real Madrid even before the Club World Cup competition commences.
He is also said to have already communicated this decision to key senior players within the squad.
Ancelotti has been under considerable pressure following Real Madrid`s recent elimination from the Champions League and their defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
According to The Athletic, the highly-regarded coach is expected to take on the managerial role for the Brazilian national team.
It is understood that he will sign an initial contract spanning one year, set to conclude at the end of the 2026 World Cup cycle, with his new role beginning in June.
This specific timeframe, however, implies that Ancelotti would depart from Los Blancos prior to the start of the Club World Cup.
The 65-year-old currently holds a contract with the Bernabeu club that is set to run until the summer of 2026.
However, the club`s less-than-ideal results this season have intensified the scrutiny and pressure surrounding his position.
Ancelotti`s potential early departure means Real Madrid`s hierarchy, including Florentino Perez, may need to appoint an interim manager to oversee the newly formatted summer tournament scheduled to be held in the USA.
Director of Football, Santi Solari, is rumoured to be a strong candidate for this temporary role, unless the club manages to immediately secure their top managerial target, Xabi Alonso.
There is also some speculation that Real Madrid could explore a less conventional option, such as appointing Jurgen Klopp.
Furthermore, Ancelotti`s son, Davide, is reportedly not expected to join him as part of the coaching staff for the Brazilian national team.
This is because, as the report indicates, Davide is aiming to begin his own career path as a head coach.
He would only likely rejoin his father in an assistant capacity if he does not receive a suitable head coaching opportunity elsewhere.
When asked about the rumours linking him to the Brazil job after the tense Copa del Rey loss against Barcelona, Ancelotti stated: "I might stay, I might leave. This is an issue to deal with in a few weeks from now. Not today."
Ancelotti began his second tenure at Real Madrid in 2021 and has since added significant silverware to the club`s collection, including two La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, and the Copa del Rey.
Marcus Bellamy