Real Madrid would be 'delighted' to offer Carlo Ancelotti a new contract

Posted Friday, December 19, 2014 by theguardian.com

·‘We'd be delighted to renew his contract,' says Florentino Pérez
· ‘There were initial question marks about getting him in'
· Pérez reiterates belief club right to sell Alonso and Di María

Carlo Ancelotti has presided over a Spanish record 21-match winning run stretching back to 16 September.

The Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, has admitted that although there were initial concerns about appointing Carlo Ancelotti as manager in the summer of 2013, the Italian has been so impressive that he will offer him a new contract at the end of the season.

"We'd be delighted to renew his contract when the season ends," Pérez said on the Moroccan radio station, El Larguero. "What is strange is to anticipate a contract renewal so shortly after taking up a position. He's aware of this and there won't be any problems. There were initial question marks about getting him in, but I always wanted him."

Ancelotti has done an excellent job at the Bernabéu since succeeding José Mourinho in June 2013, winning the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season, and he is currently presiding over a Spanish record run of 21 straight wins.

"I have the same affection for him as I did for Vicente del Bosque. He creates a great family atmosphere apart from doing a great job as coach. This is important," said Pérez before talking about the contrast with Mourinho's style of management. "Every person has their own personality. I may like someone to different degrees as a person but have no doubts about his [Mourinho's] virtues as a football coach."

Pérez also reiterated his belief that Real Madrid were right to sell Xabi Alonso and Angel di María. "We did what we had to do. I like to speak well of people. Di María left because he wanted to go. Xabi spent ages pondering over his future, he's 33 years old and it's difficult to retire at Real Madrid. Other better offers emerged.

"Raúl did something similar and we had no problem with that. [Toni] Kroos came in as [Sami] Khedira didn't want to renew and the same situation arose with James [Rodríguez] and Di María," said Pérez.