Real Madrid are increasingly frustrated with Carlo Ancelotti and could sack the Italian if the 15-time Champions League winners fail to get past the play-off stage of this season's competition, according to a report in Spain.
Despite the successful summer addition of Kylian Mbappe, Madrid have consistently underperformed this season and hit a new low earlier this month when they were defeated 5-2 by Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
Spanish edition relief state that Ancelotti sees that humiliating defeat as a sort of final warning, aware that another big mistake is likely to cost him his job.
It is claimed that Madrid are already close to sacking Ancelotti this season after successive defeats at the hands of Barcelona and AC Milan during October and November, with director of football Santiago Solari informed that he could be tasked with returning to the squad if Ancelotti is relieved of his duties.
Those responsible for making such a decision eventually stuck with Ancelotti, but find themselves facing the debate once again. It is claimed that Madrid will cut ties with the Italian if he oversees any more disastrous results in the Champions League, looking to see the team through to the knockout stages despite the threat of a massive play-off clash against top teams such as. Bayern Munich or Atletico Madrid.
If Ancelotti leaves before the end of the season, it is claimed that Solari would be drafted in as a temporary replacement, but Madrid have already set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager. The current plan is to sign the Spaniard in the summer of 2026, when Ancelotti's contract expires, but that could be brought forward.
Ancelotti will likely need to win La Liga or the Champions League to keep his job beyond this season. Club officials are said to be losing faith in the 65-year-old's ability to turn things around and will be closely monitoring the team's performances.