Why Carlo Ancelotti could still continue at Real Madrid even if he vacates managerial hot seat - explained

Ancelotti signed a new deal that keeps him at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2026, but The Athletic reports that it includes the possibility of him moving onto another role at the club instead of staying on as head coach.

Madrid president Florentino Perez sees the Italian as a huge part of the club, having guided them to two Champions League and Club World Cup crowns and one La Liga title. He is viewed as key to the Spanish giants' future, regardless of the role he fills.

Ancelotti is not the first coach to have been given such a deal by Madrid. Santiago Solari was promoted from the Castilla team to the senior side as Julen Lopetegui's replacement in 2018, but was removed from the role the in March the following year, only for the the club to ask him to remain in a different capacity.

The 64-year-old will attempt to guide his team to another La Liga title, having lost out to Barcelona last season. Los Blancos sit top of the table after 18 matches and resume their campaign with a home game against Mallorca on January 3.