Real Madrid set new Carlo Ancelotti sack timeline | OneFootball

Real Madrid are expected to leave Carlo Ancelotti in his position as first-team manager after this weekend's Clasico regardless of the outcome, according to a report in Spain.

The Italian boss has been billed as a 'dead man walking' since Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in last month's quarter-finals. Initial reports suggested that Ancelotti would be dismissed after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona even if he ended up lifting the domestic cup.

There were even suggestions that the 65-year-old wouldn't make the showpiece fixture. After plenty of referee speculation, Ancelotti was on the touchline for the final and remained at the helm even in defeat.

El Larguero now claim that Ancelotti won't be out of a job if he suffers another loss to Barcelona this weekend either. It remains to be seen how or if that will affect his expected Brazil accession, though, with the South American nation keen to have their next boss in place as soon as possible.

Madrid have the chance to move just one point behind the Catalans at La Liga's summit if they are victorious in Sunday's almighty league meeting at Montjuic. Conversely, a Barcelona win would give Hansi Flick's side a seven-point advantage with just three games remaining, putting the beaten Champions League semi-finalists one victory away from the title.

The Spanish radio outlet also claims Madrid's next permanent manager will take charge of the Club World Cup. It has been widely reported that Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso will return to the club he called home for five years, although no agreement has been struck as of yet.

Even if Madrid do strike a deal with Alonso, there is no guarantee that he will be made available to take over the Spanish giants before the Club World Cup gets underway in mid-June. The club faces a similar dilemma regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold's arrival and are expected to offer Liverpool a nominal fee to break the right-back's contract early.