Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has expressed his deep affection for the club and his desire to stay for a long time, as he prepares for his 300th game in charge of the Galacticos. This milestone will be reached on Tuesday as Real Madrid takes on Alaves, hoping to close the four-point gap separating them from league leaders, Barcelona.
Ancelotti, speaking at a press conference on the eve of the Alaves match, emphasized his love for the job and the club: “I’m not thinking about my future whatsoever, I love this job. I have been lucky enough to coach great clubs, tomorrow it will be my 300th game at the best club in the world, it is something special to be in this dugout, to do it 300 times is not quite a miracle, but it is almost a miracle.” He added that he doesn’t see himself having an “expiry date” and would love to stay at the club for many years to come. Ancelotti’s current contract, signed last year, runs until June 2026.
Despite some criticism in Spanish media, Real Madrid has gone unbeaten in La Liga for an impressive 38 games. This remarkable streak began on September 24, 2023, after a 1-3 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid. Ancelotti attributed this undefeated run to his team’s adaptable playing style, noting that “Real Madrid, over these years, doesn’t have one single identity, (we) have done things well, defended well in a low block, had very quick transitions, managed possession well in some games.” He emphasized that while some may perceive this adaptability as a lack of style, it’s simply a reflection of the team’s multifaceted approach to the game.
This impressive run comes as Real Madrid gears up for a crucial match against Alaves, a match that will be Ancelotti’s 300th at the helm of the club across his two spells. The team is aiming to cut down the four-point gap on Barcelona, who currently hold the record for the longest unbeaten run in the Spanish top flight. Barcelona’s unbeaten streak of 43 games, achieved between April 2017 and May 2018 under Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, is a target Real Madrid will be aiming to surpass. With Ancelotti’s commitment and the team’s current form, it’s a target that seems increasingly within reach.
