Real Madrid is preparing to face Mallorca at the Bernabeu tomorrow after their bitter defeat against Barcelona in El Clasico. This match will be played under circumstances where a draw for Real against Barcelona will secure them the title via television, eliminating the need for a win in tomorrow’s match. It was also announced yesterday that Carlo Ancelotti will become the coach of the Brazilian national team, meaning these last three matches will be his final ones on the Real Madrid bench. Real has two more matches after Mallorca.

Ancelotti addressed journalists’ questions in the press conference for this match.

What do you expect from the match?
The final matches are always competitive. We have important injuries. We will try to form a competitive team and win these last three matches. La Liga is not over, and we don’t want to give it away. We want to finish this tough season well.

How do you feel?
I feel that from May 26, I will be the coach of Brazil. This is a big challenge, but I am still the coach of Real Madrid. I want to finish this period and this wonderful adventure well. I know you are curious about what I will do, but I have to think about the days I have here. Out of respect for this club and the fans, all my focus is on this final part of this amazing adventure.

Why was this announced now?
Because the Brazilian Football Federation issued this statement, and from May 26, I will be the coach of Brazil.

Real Madrid has not officially said anything; does this surprise you?
Real will release the statement whenever they want. There is no problem. I don’t know when they will do it. They will do it at the appropriate time. I have nothing to add.

When did the club tell you about this?
This is personal, something I discuss with the club.

Why didn’t you stay for another season?
Football, like life, is full of adventures that begin and end. I always knew this day would come. A very beautiful period is ending. I enjoyed it a lot. But like everything in life, there is such a moment. If life ends, think that a period with a football team can also end. It was very enjoyable, I want to finish it well. From May 26, I will talk about the new challenge. I never had a problem with the club and never will. This is a club that has a place in my heart, and even when this adventure ends, it will still have it. After years of winning many titles, with an amazing memory that will last forever.

Why was Brazil in such a hurry?
Everyone acts as they see fit.

How does this romantic period end?
Failure? No. The day I arrived, if they had told me I would win 11 titles in four years, I would have signed in blood. This season did not go well for many reasons, but it was an unforgettable period.

What advice do you have for Xabi?
I love him very much. I have no advice because he has all the tools to become a great coach in the future.

How will these last two weeks be?
I know how it will be. We have to prepare for the next matches. It’s very clear in my mind. After May 26, I have another job to do, and I’m thinking about it.

When did you realize you wouldn’t continue?
You have to look at reality. Until May 25, I am the coach. I found out yesterday.

Florentino said years ago that you spoiled the players. Do you think you spoiled the players?
That the whip was not enough? No, I don’t think I spoiled the players.

Do you regret anything?
Nothing. I want to spend these last 15 days wonderfully. I gave my maximum, and the titles speak for themselves.

You’ve joined the five-time world champion team, but you don’t seem happy. Why?
Yes, I’m very happy. In this conference, I have to explain things I don’t want to because until May 25, I wear the Madrid shirt. I respect this shirt a lot. I wanted to win La Liga and the Champions League, but I’m very happy.

What feeling remains? Was it time to go?
I never felt that Madrid didn’t want me. Madrid loves me. Even if I go to Brazil on May 25. They have always shown me affection. I couldn’t be Madrid’s coach forever. This ends for many reasons. Maybe the club needs a new motivation. I’m not making a drama out of it. I thank this club thousands of times. And we continue. I will be a Real Madrid fan for life. A wonderful period is ending. I didn’t think I would be Madrid’s coach for six years, but I was.

What’s wrong with Rodrygo?
Rodrygo had a fever and couldn’t be at his best level. Today in training, he felt discomfort in his leg. I don’t know which one. He wasn’t well, didn’t recover well from the fever. Then a lot of rumors were made about him. Everyone, especially me, has a special affection for Rodrygo.

What feeling remains?
Anything is possible. It was time for a change. That’s it. I take it completely naturally. It was a joint decision to end this period.

How is Rodrygo mentally?
When a player is not well, his morale is not good either. He wants to show his quality and help the team. This is natural.

What image do you think the fans have of you?
With unforgettable comebacks, it was very enjoyable, and I’m sure the fans won’t forget it.

Some negotiations with Brazil while you were still Madrid’s coach are upset
I respect all opinions. These are football matters. Like press conferences. You have to tolerate them. But I’m not upset.