Carlo Ancelotti knows exactly what Real Madrid are missing — and it isn't just a striker or a midfielder. "Madrid has lost really important players: Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Nacho," he told The Athletic. "The atmosphere in the squad comes from these players, who have more character, personality and leadership. Madrid needs time to rebuild this environment. It's not only a problem of technical quality."
That quote cuts to the heart of what's gone wrong at the Bernabeu since Ancelotti left. Xabi Alonso came in as a so-called project manager and failed. Alvaro Arbeloa is limping through a caretaker stint. Jose Mourinho is reportedly manoeuvring for a return. Meanwhile, the man who won three Champions Leagues across two spells in Madrid is managing Brazil and watching from a distance.
The interview is worth reading in full, not least for Ancelotti dismantling the lazy narrative that Madrid's squad is so good it coaches itself. "No. It makes it sound like players at Real Madrid do what they want. It's not true. Absolutely bulls***." He had a strategy. He involved players in it. He just didn't ram it down their throats — and that distinction matters at a club where the dressing room can swallow a manager whole.
Brazil, the World Cup, and Neymar's long shot
Ancelotti says he already knows 24 of his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with under a month until the tournament begins. Neymar remains in contention, just about. "What we have to look for with him is not if he's able to trap the ball or pass the ball. It's about whether his condition is good." That's a politely sceptical endorsement if ever there was one.
His contract is set to be extended through to the 2030 World Cup, which tells you everything about Brazil's long-term faith in him. As for their 2026 prospects, Ancelotti is measured rather than triumphalist: "The team who wins is not going to be perfect. It will be the team who is stronger and able to move on from mistakes." Brazil's odds will hinge heavily on whether that leadership void he identified at Madrid has been filled in a Seleção shirt.
Carrick edges closer to Manchester United job
Meanwhile, in a separate piece of breaking news, Manchester United's executive team are set to recommend Michael Carrick for the head coach role on a permanent basis. His caretaker stint ticked the boxes — Champions League qualification being the key one. Full analysis to follow, but United's betting odds for next season just got an injection of clarity they've been missing for months.
Ronaldo's title — almost, but painfully not yet
Al Nassr were 90 seconds from putting the Saudi Pro League title to bed. Leading Al Hilal 1-0, in control, with Ronaldo watching from the bench. Then goalkeeper Bento — going for a long throw-in his own teammate was about to head clear — flapped at it and put it in his own net in the 98th minute.
Al Nassr still lead the table and one win from their final match against Damac should be enough. But this is the kind of moment that lodges in the memory. The Saudi title has been conspicuously absent from Ronaldo's CV, and the universe seems intent on making him earn it the hard way.
Southampton through, Middlesbrough seething
The Championship play-off semi-final between Southampton and Middlesbrough delivered exactly the toxicity it promised. Middlesbrough's team bus was hit with missiles on arrival. There were on-pitch scuffles, a fracas involving a ball boy, and an allegation from Boro defender Luke Ayling that Taylor Harwood-Bellis mocked his speech impediment. Southampton's Shea Charles eventually settled it with a fortuitous cross in extra time.
Southampton go to Wembley to face Hull City. Middlesbrough's coach Kim Hellberg was close to tears. The grievances between these two clubs won't be resolved by a final whistle — not this one, anyway.
