In a surprising twist in the search for a new England manager, reports have emerged that the Football Association (FA) reached out to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti over the summer. This inquiry was part of a broader effort by the FA to identify the ideal successor to Gareth Southgate, who stepped down after guiding the team to consecutive EURO Final appearances.
With Thomas Tuchel now officially announced as the new manager, the FA’s decision came after a three-month deliberation following Lee Carsley’s interim tenure. FA CEO Mark Bullingham revealed in the press conference that approximately ten candidates were interviewed for the role, with Ancelotti being one of the names considered.
Ancelotti’s Premier League Experience
At 65, Ancelotti boasts an impressive resume that includes two stints in the Premier League, with successful tenures at Chelsea and Everton. His time at Chelsea was particularly noteworthy, culminating in a league and cup double in 2010. Given his extensive knowledge of English football, it’s no surprise that the FA explored the possibility of his appointment.
Gary Lineker, in his podcast The Rest is Football, confirmed the FA’s outreach, stating, “It’s confirmed apparently that they did reach out in the summer to Pep Guardiola. And also I understand that they spoke to Carlo Ancelotti.”
Should Ancelotti have taken the role, he would have become the second Italian to manage England, following Fabio Capello, whose tenure lasted from 2007 to 2012 and ended amid controversy.
Ancelotti’s Future: Club vs. Country
Despite the interest from the FA, Ancelotti recently extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026, indicating his commitment to the club where he has enjoyed significant success, including winning the Champions League. Although there were strong links suggesting he might take the helm of the Brazilian national team, he ultimately chose to stay in Madrid, further solidifying his position as a top-tier manager.
As England continues to assess its managerial direction, Ancelotti’s name will likely remain a topic of interest, especially as international teams may seek new leadership following the upcoming World Cup in North America. However, if Ancelotti continues to secure titles for Real Madrid, the club will undoubtedly be hesitant to let such a legendary figure leave.
With the future of international management in flux, Ancelotti’s next move could be one of the most closely watched developments in football.
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