Carlo Ancelotti is sensitively prepared for his future and has preached balance and commitment for the past few months. The prediction – unconfirmed but widespread – is that he will leave after the league campaign concludes to secure his agreement with the Brazilian national team.
Until then, he will need to manage the final meter of this marathon.
Santiago Solari is expected to take over the summer Club World Cup. The long-term vision, as it stands, points to Xabi Alonso, who will begin its preseason in July.
But one thing he doesn’t do is negotiate what brought him to where he is today and how he is perceived throughout the world of football. Publicly, Ancelotti argues: “I’m not a coach who uses whips. If that’s what you want, I’ll hire someone else.”
He is soft powered by his own admission.
“There was a lot of talk about softness, but I was mad many times,” Ancelotti said this week. “Even so, that doesn’t mean I’m going to be an authoritarian. I’m working with people, not robots.”
But behind his tranquility is the frustration of this season. The mentioned call is seeking more strength, and he considers this season to be the hardest to balance his ego.
Defensively, the numbers reflect this drift. Only 12 beautiful sheets are available for 32 league matches. He won five consecutive tournaments. If they’re going to rescue this season, it needs to start now – with eight wins that include Copa.
Whatever happens in Seville, the season won’t end there. On May 11th, Montjuic’s El Clasico will still win the league championship.
Barca will likely arrive in an advantageous position. Madrid could arrive either as a reborn hero or an injured guest, depending on the outcome of Saturday’s final.
But that’s for another night.
