Carlo Ancelotti "in no rush" to open Real Madrid contract talks

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he is remaining calm when it comes to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future at Bernabeu.

The Italian's current deal is due to expire next summer, and Brazil have placed him firmly at the top of their shortlist when it comes to their next head coach.

Los Blancos are believed to have been delighted with Ancelotti's work since he returned as manager in June 2021, and there have been claims that he is in line for a renewal.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Villarreal, the successful boss insisted that he was "in no rush" to begin renewal talks, but he suggested that remaining at Bernabeu would be his first choice.

"I don't expect a gift from Real Madrid in the form of a renewal because I am already the coach. I hope to win tomorrow and have a peaceful Christmas," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.

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"I will be here until July 30, 2024. That is the time I have to deal with the renewal. We are in no rush (to open talks). If the club is happy, I'm happy."

Ancelotti initially managed Real Madrid between one 2013 and May 2015, and he then had spells with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton before returning to Bernabeu in June 2021.

The 64-year-old has won one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey crowns and two Champions League trophies during his time in charge of the capital giants.

Real Madrid are through to the knockout round of this season's Champions League, while they are currently second in the La Liga table, two points behind the leaders Girona.

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Ancelotti has a big decision to make between the sticks against Villarreal, with Kepa Arrizabalaga available again following an injury, but Andriy Lunin has been in strong form.

Kepa featured against Union Berlin in the Champions League last week, but Lunin has started each of Real Madrid's last four La Liga matches, conceding just twice in the process.

"I have already decided on tomorrow's goalkeeper. They make me doubt my decisions, it's obvious because both of them are very good. But I'm not going to say who because I haven't spoken to them yet," Ancelotti told reporters ahead of the contest with Villarreal.

"We are close to Christmas, and we play against a well-prepared team, but we are in a good moment, good dynamics, with motivated players and we want to finish well this year."

Real Madrid will take on Villarreal and Alaves in their final two matches of the year before opening 2024 with a clash against Mallorca.