Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti are heading toward an inevitable divorce that will leave a multimillion-dollar hole in the club's coffers. Florentino Pérez will have to dig deep into his pockets if he finally decides to part ways with the Italian coach before his contract expires.
What It Will Cost to Fire Ancelotti
Ancelotti, who signed until June 2026 after recently renewing, earns 11 million euros gross per season. This means that if Florentino opts to dismiss him this summer, the club will have to pay a severance of 11 million euros, corresponding to the remaining year of his contract. A considerable figure that is causing tensions in the upper echelons of Bernabéu.
The Italian coach has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. Ancelotti has won the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. But the elimination in the Champions League, the loss of the Cup, and doubts about his ability to lead the new project are causing concern.
The feeling is that Ancelotti's cycle has run its course, but his dismissal won't come cheap. Ancelotti has already communicated to Florentino that he will understand if the results lead to his dismissal. But he has also told him that if he wants to fire him, he will have to pay him for the year he has signed.
Ancelotti Won't Forgive a Euro
Florentino Pérez, known for his pragmatism, is considering all options. He knows that a dismissal would entail a multimillion-dollar cost that could affect other key transfer market operations. That's why some sectors of the club would prefer to seek a negotiated exit to minimize the economic impact.
However, for now, there are no signs that Ancelotti is willing to forgive even a euro of what he is owed by contract.
The fans, meanwhile, are divided. While some still trust the Italian coach's experience, others believe it's time to bet on a radical change on the bench to start a new era.
Sunday's Clásico Decides Ancelotti's Future
What is clear is that the decision won't take much longer. Ancelotti's future is hanging in the air, and if the breakup is finally consummated, Florentino will have to open the checkbook.
Only a victorious result in next Sunday's Clásico could prolong the situation. A defeat at Montjuïc would mean the loss of LaLiga and his dismissal. In fact, the club plans for a caretaker coach (Santiago Solari) to lead the team in the Club World Cup.