More negotiations for Carlo Ancelotti! Real Madrid boss enters second round of talks with Brazil as Italian head coach edges closer to becoming new Selecao manager

The CBF's desire to hire the Italian has been something of an open secret over the past few years. The master tactician has been president Ednaldo Rodrigues preferred choice for the role since Tite stepped down after the 2022 World Cup. Following the firing of Dorvival Junior after the Selecao's tawdry start to their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, it appears the federation is pursuing the Real Madrid manager once again.

Ancelotti's contract runs until June 2026, but rumours around his future have intensified after Los Blancos' 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League. The CBF is reported to be monitoring Saturday's Copa Del Rey final closely, as defeat to Barcelona could lead to Ancelotti's immediate dismissal or confirm the Italian's departure in the summer.

Ancelotti has refused to be drawn into publicly commenting on his future, but a source has told ESPN that talks between the Selecao and Ancelotti's entoruage have taken place in recent weeks. An agent and two Brazilian intermediaries are in the Spanish capital, and have held talks with Ancelotti's son Davide about the job. The CBF have denied the presence of their representatives in Europe.

Saturday's result in the Copa Del Rey could have a profound effect on the future prospects of one of Europes' greatest managers. If Los Blancos beat Barcelona, it would be another piece of silverware in Don Carlo's personal haul, and it could trigger a comeback in La Liga which would solidify his position as Real Madrid manager. If the punishment for losing a cup final is taking arguably the most prestigious job in international management, then maybe everything will be alright for Ancelotti, regardless of Saturday's result.