Coach Ancelotti happy to choose Real Madrid over Brazil

Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday he was delighted to have prolonged his stay at Real Madrid until 2026, despite an approach to take over as coach of Brazil. It had been reported in July last year that 64-year-old Ancelotti would become the first foreigner to coach Brazil in almost 60 years, before the Italian penned his new deal with the Spanish giants.
“Everyone knows that I had contact with the president of the Brazilian federation,” Ancelotti said. “I want to thank him for the affection and interest he showed towards me,” he said.
Ancelotti has won the Champions League four times – twice with AC Milan and twice with Real Madrid, where he says he would like to stay on beyond his current deal. “In 2026, depending on my results, I may still be there. I want to be the coach of Madrid (...) and I hope to be able to continue being that in 2027 and 2028 because I want to stay here,” he said.
Ancelotti has also won domestic league titles with Real and Milan, in England with Chelsea, in Germany with Bayern Munich and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

Xavi demands Barcelona defensive improvement
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez called on his team to improve defensively in 2024 after a shaky start to the season. The Spanish champions are fourth ahead of today’s visit to face Las Palmas, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid and Girona.
Barca won La Liga thanks to their excellent defensive displays last season, conceding only 20 goals in 38 league matches, but have already shipped 21 in 18 games in this campaign. “I’m more worried about the defensive area (than the attack),” Xavi told a news conference. “Last year we were extraordinary in defence and this year we are giving too much away.”
Before the winter break Xavi was critical of his team for missing big chances, but they were also easily carved open by opponents, including in a 4-2 home defeat by Girona and 2-2 draws at Mallorca and Granada. “It’s true that we’re lacking efficiency (up front), but even scoring two or three goals sometimes we aren’t winning, against Granada, Mallorca, Girona,” continued Xavi.
The coach is hopeful new arrival Vitor Roque would be registered in time to face Las Palmas. Barcelona agreed a deal to sign the 18-year-old Brazilian striker in July with Athletic Paranaense and he arrived in the winter window. “He will be in the squad list, we hope he’s available, it’s a question of hours,” said Xavi.
La Liga clubs must meet the league’s stringent financial fair play rules to register signings to play. “(Roque) is well, he’s got a lot of desire and he has adapted quickly to the group and the training sessions, but we’ll go carefully,” added Xavi.