In June 2021, Carlo Ancelotti initiated a phone call to José Ángel Sánchez, the general director of Real Madrid, while he was at Everton. The call was intended to check on available players from the club, as he had done in previous summers, but quickly shifted focus when the topic of Zinedine Zidane's departure arose. With a lighthearted remark about being the ideal candidate for the vacant coaching position, Ancelotti took the reins at Madrid for a second time, a decision that would lead to significant successes, including two more Champions League titles.

The article also draws parallels between Ancelotti's return and José Mourinho's aspirations to rejoin the Madrid coaching staff, highlighting Mourinho's anticipation of receiving a similar call. Currently, Mourinho, while coaching Benfica, faces Real Madrid in a crucial playoff match and is sidelined from the bench due to a suspension. His absence comes with the realization that he has been in this position before, leading to jokes from players like Arbeloa about his penchant for getting suspended during critical matches.

Overall, the article reflects on the dynamics of coaching changes at Real Madrid, emphasizing the strong relationships that exist between managers and the club's hierarchy, particularly with president Florentino Pérez. It underscores the importance of past experiences and connections in shaping future opportunities for coaches like Ancelotti and Mourinho within the competitive environment of European football.