I am not playing for my life — Carlo Ancelotti on Copa del Rey

Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has refuted suggestions that his future with the club hinges on the outcome of the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on Saturday and the upcoming Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester City on Tuesday.

Despite trailing Barcelona by a significant 14 points in La Liga, Ancelotti emphasizes that his tenure is not solely dependent on these crucial fixtures.

While Los Blancos are unlikely to retain their league title this season, their campaign now pivots around the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Osasuna, marking their first appearance in the competition’s culmination in nine years.

Furthermore, a mere three days after the cup showdown, they face Manchester City in the Champions League, adding to the weight of their fixtures.

In a news conference on Friday, Ancelotti addressed the speculation surrounding his position, firmly asserting that his future is not at stake in the immediate sense.

He stated, “It’s the Copa del Rey final and a semifinal, that’s all. I’m not playing for my life. It’s a trophy, and then we have a semifinal to prepare for… My future is clear. My contract ends on June 30, 2024, not tomorrow.”

Ancelotti’s comments highlight his focus on the imminent challenges at hand, striving to guide Real Madrid to success in the Copa del Rey final and making significant preparations for the critical Champions League tie against Manchester City. The experienced coach remains committed to steering the team forward, irrespective of the outcome of these vital encounters.

As the Copa del Rey final approaches, Real Madrid aims to deliver an impressive performance against Osasuna, looking to secure the coveted trophy.

Subsequently, their attention will quickly shift towards the highly anticipated Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, where Ancelotti will be tactically preparing his squad to overcome the formidable English opponents.

While the prospect of surrendering their league title to arch-rivals Barcelona looms, Ancelotti’s focus on securing silverware and advancing in the Champions League demonstrates his unwavering commitment to achieving success on multiple fronts.

The Italian coach’s tenure at Real Madrid extends until June 30, 2024, providing stability and assurance for the future, regardless of the outcomes in these pivotal matches.