Florentino Perez's Smile: A Warning to Ancelotti?
After Real Madrid's 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, Florentino Perez's smile has sparked speculation about Carlo Ancelotti's future at the helm.
Real Madrid's crushing 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final has left fans and analysts questioning the team's direction under manager Carlo Ancelotti. While Barcelona celebrated their emphatic victory, Real Madrid was left to pick up the pieces, with President Florentino Perez at the center of the post-match discourse.
Perez's visible reaction—a seemingly calm smile—has been interpreted by many as concealing deeper frustration. Observers noted that the president refrained from making public statements after the match, while Real Madrid TV, the club’s official channel, abruptly ended its coverage. This unusual silence has fueled speculation about dissatisfaction within the club's hierarchy.
Prominent journalist Josep Pedrerol, known for his close ties to Real Madrid, commented on the situation during 'El Chiringuito,' a popular sports program. "Florentino's expectations for this season were sky-high, especially with the anticipated arrival of Kylian Mbappe. Yet, the reality has been far from what was envisioned," Pedrerol remarked. He added, "Losing to Barcelona in a global event like the Spanish Super Cup is not something Florentino takes lightly."
Pedrerol's warning—"Ancelotti, be careful"—has amplified discussions about the Italian manager's position. While Ancelotti has delivered success in the past, including Champions League and La Liga titles, his team’s recent struggles against Barcelona have placed him under scrutiny.
Additionally, the match’s aftermath saw only Ancelotti and veteran midfielder Luka Modric addressing the media. Key figures such as Thibaut Courtois and Karim Benzema avoided public comments, further underscoring the somber mood within the camp.
As Real Madrid prepares for upcoming fixtures, the pressure on Ancelotti to deliver immediate results will be immense. Perez’s ambitions for the club remain focused on reclaiming domestic and European dominance, and the coming weeks will likely determine whether Ancelotti retains the support of the club’s leadership.