Mikel Arteta has already clarified his stance regarding the Real Madrid manager’s job as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to leave the Spanish giants.
Following Arsenal’s dominant performance against Real in the Champions League quarter-finals, Ancelotti is expected to depart after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, ahead of the conclusion of their LaLiga season.
Real are currently lagging behind Barcelona by four points in LaLiga, with Barca also reaching the Champions League semi-finals. If Ancelotti does depart, Arteta is likely to be named among potential successors, alongside names such as Xabi Alonso, Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane.
Arteta was previously linked with Los Blancos two years ago amid a tough period for Ancelotti. However, Arteta dismissed those rumours, reaffirming his commitment to Arsenal. He said at the time: “Managers and players can’t control what is written by the press.
“What I can tell is that I’m fully focused on what I’m doing here and extremely proud and grateful to do what I’m doing in this football club. That’s it.”
That declaration came as Arsenal were giving Manchester City a run for their money in the Premier League before their late-season collapse. Ancelotti managed to retain his position and secured the league title the following season.
(Image: Getty Images)
However, Ancelotti is bracing himself for the sack after his team was thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal over two legs. The Italian admitted after the game: “Maybe the club decides to replace me, and maybe it could be this year, or next year when my contract is over.
“But when I am done here, I will be grateful to this club. That could be tomorrow, 10 days, one month or in one year, but if my contract ends or doesn’t end, I really don’t care.”
(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
Ancelotti graciously acknowledged that Arsenal had outperformed his star-studded team, adding: “We have managed the bright side many times, and we have won titles, but we need to manage the dark side too. We need to accept it because over the two games, Arsenal have been better than us.”
Ancelotti’s departure from the Bernabeu could potentially lead to him taking the reins at Brazil, a job he has been linked to in recent times.
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- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
