In a wide-ranging interview with _Marca_, Davide Ancelotti opened up about the end of his chapter at [Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com), his close bond with his father Carlo, and the journey that awaits as they prepare to lead Brazil into the 2026 World Cup.
After more than a decade of continuous work across Europe’s top clubs, Ancelotti admitted he’s finally getting a rare moment to breathe.
> “I think it was exactly ten years ago that I had a vacation this long,” he said. “After Real Madrid in 2015, it was a long vacation. And then nothing—Bayern, Napoli, [Everton](https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com), and Real Madrid again came back to back. So this is good too.”
### An Emotional Farewell at the Bernabéu
The Ancelotti family said goodbye to the Real Madrid bench in a fitting way: with trophies, tributes, and tears.
> “At the beginning of the season, clearly we planned for this Club World Cup, because our contract ended after that, in 2026,” Davide explained. “But then, given how things have turned out, I think we had the best way to finish. The tribute we had at the Bernabéu at the end of the match—it’s something to appreciate, because at a club like Madrid, saying goodbye like that is very difficult.”
He added:
> “Yes, yes we cried a lot. I’ve cried more than him. We’re people who cry and don’t mind admitting it. That’s who we are. My sister, my father, even my grandfather was worse...”
### Looking Ahead: Brazil and Personal Aspirations
Davide also addressed his next step: joining the Brazilian national team alongside Carlo Ancelotti.
> “My ambition is to coach on my own one day. That’s very clear to me,” he said. “At the end of the season, my father gave me the opportunity to continue with him in the Brazilian national team, and I asked him for some time to think about it and talk to some clubs… After weighing everything up, I think going to the World Cup with Brazil is the best possible decision right now.”
He also acknowledged that, despite their close working relationship, he and his father don’t always see eye to eye—and that’s a strength.
> “There have probably been more times when my father and I haven’t agreed. That’s what’s expected of me as an assistant, and what he needs. He needs people who don’t always agree, while I, at the beginning of my career, still need guidance. The final decision has always been and will always be his.”
### On Xabi Alonso, Injuries, and Kroos’s Departure
While Xabi Alonso begins a new chapter as Real Madrid head coach, Davide holds no resentment about the media spotlight shifting to the new man in charge.
> “No, it doesn’t bother me that everyone is saying Xabi Alonso is changing Madrid. It’s normal. He’s just arrived. Everyone wants to know how he works. Everyone has their own way of training—there’s no one way to win.”
He reflected on the challenges of the past season, citing key injuries as significant obstacles:
> “Dani’s injury was tough. He’s a key player. Militão’s injury also left us with fewer defenders. We lacked consistency, which would’ve allowed us to keep pace with Barcelona.”
Davide also emphasized the significance of Toni Kroos’s retirement:
> “The void left by Kroos was as great as the one left by Sergio Ramos, Cristiano, or Casemiro. Toni is a unique player in the history of Real Madrid and football. He set examples that no coaching staff could replicate. His departure was a huge loss—but he’s been replaced by the most talented player in the world.”
### Defining Moments: PSG and the Clásico
When asked to choose the defining moment of his time at Madrid, Davide didn’t hesitate:
> “Benzema’s third goal against PSG, which came from the kick-off. I’ll never forget that.”
And the worst?
> “The Clásico, when we lost 0-4 against Barcelona in Xavi’s first year at the Bernabéu.”
### A Dream Deferred, But Not Abandoned
Despite moving on, the dream of returning to Real Madrid in a leading role remains alive.
> “The dream to coach Real Madrid exists, yes. Who doesn’t have the dream of coaching Real Madrid? So yes, that’s certainly a dream.”
### On Vinícius Jr.: Progress, Passion, and Misunderstanding
Davide reserved special praise for Vinícius Jr., describing the Brazilian as both a phenomenal athlete and a good-hearted individual.
> “You have to see his evolution since he arrived—it’s been impressive. He’s a serious worker, with no malice. He gets emotional in games, but that’s part of competition. He needs support, not blame.”