Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti walking on tight rope following Arsenal loss

Carlo Ancelotti. Image credit: Imago

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti walking on tight rope following Arsenal loss

Stephen Awino 13:15 - 09.04.2025

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing axing calls from a section of the fanbase following Champions League loss to Arsenal.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti finds himself at the center of mounting criticism following his side’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

The loss at the Emirates Stadium, highlighted by a sensational Declan Rice free-kick brace and a well-taken goal from Mikel Merino, has left Los Blancos with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg.

With the defeat, Madrid's chances of progressing to the semi-finals are hanging by a thread and so is Ancelotti’s job security.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.

Ancelotti in the Firing Line

Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing sacking calls. (Credit: Imago)

For a club synonymous with European glory, particularly in the Champions League, the performance was seen as nothing short of disastrous by the club’s passionate supporters.

Discontent among fans has grown louder, with many questioning Ancelotti’s tactical decisions and overall leadership.

“Unfortunately, the bells are ringing for you boss @MrAncelotti. You did great things for us, we really do appreciate it. But that's it,” one user posted on social media, reflecting the growing sentiment of frustration.

“You're always getting late to do something. We saw it today, we saw it in Atletico matches, we saw it in every Barcelona match. It is time.”

Another fan criticized the Italian's use of his squad, likening the team to a mismanaged film cast.

“You feel like Real Madrid’s players are like movie stars — top-class actors, but their roles are poorly distributed because the director doesn’t understand the potential of his stars. That’s exactly the case with director Ancelotti."

A Historic Challenge Ahead

Real Madrid face a daunting second leg task against Arsenal in the Champions League | IMAGO

Real Madrid has never overturned a three-goal deficit in the Champions League an ominous statistic that further complicates their path.

The second leg, scheduled for April 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu, will pit them against an Arsenal side boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League.

Despite the dire outlook, Ancelotti remains hopeful.

“There is always a first time, you have to try. The comeback starts tonight,” he told BBC Sport after the match, projecting a defiant tone.

With five Champions League titles to his name, three with Real Madrid, Ancelotti’s legacy in Europe is already cemented. But football is a ruthless business, especially at a club of Madrid’s stature.

Unless the veteran manager can inspire a historic turnaround in the return leg, his tenure may soon come to an unceremonious end.

Tags: