Ancelotti: 'Don't know' about Real Madrid future after UCL exit - ESPN

MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti said he «doesn't know» if Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday — which saw the reigning champions eliminated at the quarterfinal stage — was his last game in charge of Madrid in the competition.

Bukayo Saka had a first-half penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois, before putting Arsenal ahead in the 65th minute. Vinícius Júnior levelled two minutes later after a mistake from William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli netted in added time, as Arsenal progressed to the semifinals 5-1 on aggregate.

Ancelotti, who has a contract until 2026, has faced criticism for Madrid's performance levels this season — including two high-profile defeats to Barcelona — although the team remain in contention for the LaLiga title, and will face Barça in the Copa del Rey final.

«I don't know,» Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference, when asked if the loss at the Bernabéu might be his final Champions League game with Madrid.

«It could be that the club decides to change. It could be this year, or next year when my contract ends. There's no problem. The day I finish here, the only thing I can do is thank this club, it could be tomorrow, in a month, or in a year.»

Ancelotti said that he «hadn't thought about» the possibility of resigning this summer, if he felt he'd taken the team as far as he could.

The Italian admitted that Madrid — who were well beaten 3-0 in the first leg at the Emirates last week — had been deservedly eliminated, although he said a first-half penalty awarded to Madrid for a Declan Rice challenge on Kylian Mbappé, but then overturned after a VAR check, could have changed the outcome.

«Arsenal were better than us,» Ancelotti said. «It was important to have a moment, which