“He Should Stay at Real Madrid as Long as He Wants” - Former President Calderón Defends Ancelotti

Real Madrid’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal - 0-3 in London and 1-2 at the Bernabéu - has reignited debate in Spain, particularly around the future of Carlo Ancelotti. For most clubs, a quarter-final elimination might not spark crisis talk, but this is Los Blancos, winners of six of the last eleven Champions League titles. With the team now four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and a Copa del Rey final against their eternal rivals looming on 26 April, the pressure is once again on.

In an exclusive interview with TuttoMercatoWeb, Ramón Calderón, Real Madrid president from 2006 to 2009, weighed in on the club’s current form and future direction. During his presidency, Calderón secured two La Liga titles and a Spanish Super Cup.

What’s going wrong at Real Madrid?
“Simply, you can’t win all the time. We’ve had several injuries this season, and the absence of Toni Kroos, along with Modrić’s age, has impacted the midfield’s performance. But we’re still in the Copa del Rey and in contention for the league. The season isn’t over yet, though of course, being knocked out of the Champions League is a huge disappointment for our club.”

Would you sack Ancelotti or back him?
“Ancelotti is one of the best managers this club has ever had, and in my opinion, he should stay as long as he wants. He knows this club inside out. He knows how to manage a dressing room full of stars - because he was one himself. He never seeks the spotlight and has proven his tactical intelligence time and again. We must not forget that just last season he won both the Champions League and La Liga.”

On selling Ronaldo to Milan during his presidency
 “It’s always difficult to part ways with a player like Ronaldo. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen - and a great person off the pitch. But I had to respect the decision of the sporting director and the coach, who believed the time had come for him to move on.”

On Nico Paz and Arda Güler, both linked with Inter
"They’re very talented players, so it makes perfect sense that Inter - or any top club - would be interested. I don’t know what the club intends to do with them going forward.”

Impressed by Inter? Can Lautaro and Thuram trouble Barça?
“Inter have proven themselves as a top side in every competition this season. They’re serious contenders to win this Champions League. Lautaro, Thuram, and the rest of the team will certainly cause problems for Barcelona. It won’t be an easy match, because Barça are also in great form.”

Calderón’s words offer a firm defence of Ancelotti and reflect a belief in Real Madrid’s current core, even amid the disappointment. With key matches still ahead, the season is far from over - but all eyes are now on how Los Blancos respond.