ANCELOTTI'S REAL MADRID FATE TO BE DECIDED SOON

MADRID, April 28 (Bernama-dpa) -- The future of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is expected to be settled shortly, with reports suggesting that a decision will hinge on a meeting between the 65-year-old coach, club president Florentino Pérez, and chief executive José Ángel Sánchez, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

Ancelotti's future has been in doubt following Real Madrid's elimination from the Champions League and their loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

His contract, valid until June 2026, may not be extended after a disappointing season. Ancelotti himself indicated over the weekend that his fate will be decided in the next few weeks.

Spanish sports daily Marca said on Sunday that a decision is to be expected within "a matter of hours", adding that "[Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach] Xabi Alonso awaits news”.

Alonso is considered the top candidate to succeed Ancelotti.

The next match against Barcelona, scheduled for May 11, could prove crucial, with reports from sports newspaper As calling it an "all-or-nothing final" for the Italian coach. 

Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, is currently on course for the title with a four-point lead over Real.

Amid these uncertainties, speculation about Ancelotti's potential move to become Brazil's national team coach has intensified. Reports from Sky Sports and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggest that he could take over the Seleção before the June international match window. 

Since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, Ancelotti has led the club to two Champions League titles. He previously coached them for two seasons from 2013, winning the Champions League trophy once.

-- BERNAMA-dpa