In a press conference today, Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, issued a stern warning to the club’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Perez made it clear that he was not pleased with Ancelotti’s recent decision to bench one of the club’s high-profile players, who was acquired for a significant fee of £80 million. The Madrid owner did not hold back, saying, “This is going to be the very last time I will warn Ancelotti about this. The next time he benches [the player], it will be his end.”

Though Perez did not name the player directly, his statement is widely believed to reference the club’s major investment, who was expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s lineup this season. The message from Perez reflects his frustration over Ancelotti’s handling of the star player and signals his desire for consistency in player selections.

This public rebuke from Perez places considerable pressure on Ancelotti, a manager renowned for his experience and ability to navigate high-stakes situations. Ancelotti’s team management choices, however, seem to have recently caused tension with the club’s leadership, especially regarding decisions on high-profile acquisitions who have yet to fulfill their potential in the starting eleven.

Ancelotti now faces a pivotal decision: either include the star player in the lineup and align with Perez’s expectations or risk jeopardizing his position at Real Madrid. While Ancelotti has had a successful coaching tenure, the warning from Perez serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the club, where even celebrated managers are expected to deliver consistent results and make the most of the squad’s top investments.

This development has sparked speculation among fans and sports analysts alike about the potential outcomes and what it means for Ancelotti’s future with the team.