In one of the final matches of a dramatic week in the Champions League, Liverpool defeated their historic European rivals, Real Madrid, with a 2-0 win at Anfield on Wednesday night. The loss, which could significantly harm Madrid’s season, prompted reports suggesting the club has already identified a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti if results do not improve.
Amid this uncertainty, Ancelotti issued a confident statement, expressing his belief in his team’s ability to recover. Despite Madrid’s current standing—24th out of 36 teams in the Champions League, four points behind the top eight spots that secure automatic progression, and only two points ahead of the teams set to be eliminated—Ancelotti remains optimistic. When asked about the team’s situation by close friend and GdS contributor Alberto Cerrutti, he replied: “You can tell them anything you want, but tell them that Real Madrid will be in the final in Munich.”
Though the road to the May 2025 final in Munich is long, Ancelotti’s confidence contrasts with the concerns of some club officials, who are reportedly preparing for the possibility of his dismissal. According to COPE journalist Roberto Morales, former Madrid coach Santiago Solari has been identified as the leading candidate to replace Ancelotti if things do not improve. Solari, who managed the club briefly during the 2018/19 season, was seen in the stands at Anfield, fueling speculation about a return to the Bernabeu.
Morales shared on X: “Solari is the chosen option if things don’t get back on track and there is a major setback in the coming months.” However, he also acknowledged that Ancelotti’s legacy and accomplishments should be taken into account, suggesting it’s unlikely the manager will be dismissed before the season ends.